In a powerful demonstration of unity, perseverance, and purpose, Duke University once again lived up to its moniker of “Duke Strong” by raising over $24,000 through its annual “Bench to Beat Cancer” initiative. The campaign, launched in collaboration with the Duke Cancer Institute, turned athletic strength into meaningful action, proving that when the Blue Devils rally together, no obstacle is too daunting—especially cancer.
From the moment the first student-athlete took their position on the bench press rack, it was clear that this event was about far more than just physical strength. It was about community. It was about resilience. It was about remembering those who have been touched by cancer and fighting for those still in the battle. Over the course of several days, Duke athletes, coaches, trainers, and even members of the administration gathered inside Cameron Indoor Stadium, transforming the hallowed hardwood from a battleground for basketball glory into a beacon of hope for families affected by cancer.
The idea behind “Bench to Beat Cancer” is deceptively simple: for every rep completed on the bench press, money is donated to the Duke Cancer Institute. But the results are profound. Not only does the initiative raise funds, it also fosters awareness and channels the competitive spirit of Duke’s athletic programs toward a higher cause. This year, it all came together in breathtaking fashion.
Student-athletes from nearly every varsity program participated, from basketball and football to track and field, swimming, soccer, and beyond. Each athlete arrived not just to show off their power, but to honor someone they loved—parents, grandparents, teammates, and friends—whose lives had been altered by cancer. Some wore t-shirts with names printed on the back. Others bore ribbons on their uniforms. Many simply brought their fierce determination to every rep, letting their performance speak for itself.
One of the more emotional moments came when Duke football player Aeneas Peebles dedicated his bench press set to his mother, a breast cancer survivor. With tears in his eyes and a picture of her taped to his wrist, Peebles powered through more than 20 reps, each one harder than the last, but driven by a cause that kept him from quitting. “She’s the strongest person I know,” he said after collapsing into a hug from teammates. “If she can beat cancer, I can do this for her. For all of them.”
That sentiment was echoed across all sports. Women’s soccer standout Michelle Cooper, who lost her aunt to ovarian cancer, said the event gave her a way to channel grief into something tangible. “There’s a lot we can’t control,” she explained. “But we can control this. We can show up. We can raise money. We can be loud about the need for research and support.”
Indeed, that message of visibility is a cornerstone of the event’s success. It’s not just about dollars raised—it’s about bringing cancer to the forefront of campus dialogue. In a university setting where students are juggling academics, social lives, and athletic commitments, taking the time to stop, reflect, and advocate for something bigger than oneself can be rare. “Bench to Beat Cancer” forces a pause, asking everyone involved to consider the broader implications of community health and collective impact.
The logistics of the event are as impressive as the participation. Duke’s strength and conditioning coaches, led by Director of Olympic Sports Performance Amanda Kimball and Head Football Strength Coach Noel Durfey, organized lifting stations throughout Cameron Indoor and the Yoh Football Center. Each rep was carefully counted, logged, and tallied toward the final donation totals, with many teams setting internal goals—and then smashing them. Some athletes even sought out sponsorships ahead of time, with family members, friends, and alumni pledging dollar amounts per rep, further increasing the money raised.
Coaches were not just cheerleaders from the sidelines, either. Head men’s basketball coach Jon Scheyer made headlines when he stepped in to do a few reps of his own, drawing cheers from players and fans alike. “I told the guys, ‘If you can do it, I can do it,’” Scheyer joked, before adding a serious note: “But truly, we’re a family here. We don’t just support each other on the court. We support each other through life. And that means showing up for something like this.”
Women’s basketball head coach Kara Lawson shared similar sentiments. “We talk a lot about toughness in sports. But fighting cancer—that’s a different kind of toughness. A deeper toughness. And for our players to come out here and give their energy, their effort, and their voices—it’s incredible to witness.”