The echoes of cheers and applause reverberated through Ambler Tennis Stadium as the Duke women’s tennis team celebrated one of the most memorable days in program history — a triumph that perfectly blended legacy, emotion, and excellence. On a sun-kissed Senior Day in Durham, the Blue Devils captured the ACC Regular Season Championship, etching another chapter into their storied legacy while honoring the players who have shaped it.
Senior Day is always an emotional milestone for college athletes. It’s a day that celebrates years of commitment, growth, and sacrifice — the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. For Duke, it became something even more special: a coronation. With the ACC regular season title on the line and the conference’s best teams nipping at their heels, the Blue Devils rose to the occasion with a performance defined by poise, grit, and championship composure. It was a finish befitting a team that has carried expectations from the start of the season and met them with a calm assurance.
From the first serve, there was a feeling in the air that this match was going to be different. The stands were filled with family members, friends, and fans donning Duke blue, many holding up handmade posters for their favorite seniors. The seniors, themselves, took to the courts with both nostalgia and urgency. Every point mattered, and every rally felt like a culmination of years of hard work. Head coach Jamie Ashworth, the veteran architect behind Duke’s dominance, stood calmly near the baseline, but his focused gaze belied how much the moment meant.
The doubles point, often an early tone-setter in college tennis, was a fierce battle. Duke’s top pair — comprised of two seniors playing their final regular-season home match — came out with fire, executing sharp volleys and clean passing shots that electrified the crowd. Their chemistry, forged through countless hours of practice and matches, was on full display as they outmaneuvered their opponents with a mix of aggression and strategy. On the adjacent court, Duke’s second pairing also showed tenacity and resilience, recovering from an early break to secure a dramatic tiebreak win that clinched the doubles point for the Blue Devils. It was the kind of opening salvo that energized the team and set the stage for the singles matches to follow.
Singles play showcased the depth and versatility that have defined Duke all season long. The Blue Devils have never relied solely on one star to carry them; instead, they’ve leaned on a balanced lineup where every player is capable of turning in a match-winning performance. On this day, that depth was again evident. Sophomore sensation Emma Jackson, who has emerged as one of the conference’s brightest stars, dominated her match at the No. 2 spot. Her mix of consistency and power frustrated her opponent from the baseline and earned her a straight-set victory that put Duke within two points of the title.
Meanwhile, the top court was the scene of one of the day’s most compelling battles. Senior captain Georgia Drummy, a cornerstone of Duke’s lineup for years, faced a fellow nationally ranked opponent in a match that showcased both talent and willpower. Drummy dropped the first set in a tight tiebreak, but her response in the second and third sets reminded everyone why she’s been one of the most dependable players in program history. With every fist pump and emphatic “Come on!” she fed off the energy of the crowd and rallied to a thrilling three-set win, bringing the Blue Devils to the brink of victory.
But perhaps the most emotional win of the day came on Court 5, where senior Chloe Beck — whose career at Duke has been defined by her consistency and leadership — closed out her final regular-season match in front of the home crowd with a clinical performance. Beck, a four-year starter, didn’t just win her match; she controlled it from the first ball. Her precise groundstrokes and veteran court awareness left little room for error and gave Duke the fourth and clinching point. As her final shot found its mark, she dropped her racket, raised her arms, and was immediately engulfed by teammates in a celebration of both her personal journey and the team’s collective achievement.
With that point, Duke sealed a 5-2 victory and claimed the ACC Regular Season Championship outright — a fitting end to a campaign marked by resilience, growth, and unity. It marked the program’s first regular-season conference title since 2019 and underscored the Blue Devils’ return to the summit of one of the most competitive conferences in college tennis. For Coach Ashworth, it was a validation of the culture he’s cultivated and the buy-in from a group of student-athletes that understood the value of doing things the right way.
The celebration that followed was as heartfelt as it was joyous. Seniors were honored in a post-match ceremony that featured video tributes, hugs from family members, and emotional speeches. There were tears — of joy, nostalgia, and pride — as players reflected on their journeys. For some, Duke had been a place of growth and discovery. For others, it had been a dream fulfilled. But for all of them, it had been home.
Drummy spoke first, her voice trembling as she thanked her coaches, teammates, and the Duke community. “This place has meant everything to me,” she said, wiping away tears. “To win a championship on Senior Day — I can’t think of a more perfect ending.” Beck followed, her words equally heartfelt. “We’ve been through so much together, and this team never gave up,” she said. “We believed in each other every step of the way. This title belongs to all of us.”
Coach Ashworth, never one for long speeches, kept his message simple but powerful. “This group has represented Duke with class, heart, and toughness,” he said. “They’ve set a standard that will inspire teams for years to come.”
As the sun began to dip behind the trees, the team posed for photos with the ACC trophy — grinning seniors in the front, excited underclassmen in the back. There was a sense that this was more than just a championship team. This was a family. The kind of team that doesn’t just win matches but leaves a legacy.
Duke now turns its attention to the ACC Tournament and the NCAA Championships, where expectations will be high. But regardless of what happens next, this Senior Day — this regular-season title — will live on in the memories of those who were there. Because it wasn’t just about a trophy. It was about celebrating a journey. About honoring the players who helped build something special. About one last chance to say thank you and goodbye.
The season isn’t over yet, and this Duke team seems far from finished. But as far as regular-season finales go, it’s hard to imagine a more poetic ending than this one — champions, on their home court, surrounded by love, and lifted by legacy.