McAdorey, Richardson Honored as Duke Senior Student-Athletes” :
McAdorey, Richardson Honored as Duke Senior Student-Athletes
DURHAM, N.C. — In a celebration of academic excellence, athletic achievement, and unparalleled leadership, Duke University recently recognized senior student-athletes Dyson McAdorey and Kennedy Richardson for their exemplary contributions to the Blue Devil community. The two standout seniors were honored at Duke’s Annual Student-Athlete Recognition Gala, a prestigious event that caps off the academic year by acknowledging the elite efforts of the university’s most dedicated student-athletes.
Held at the iconic Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, this year’s gala was a bittersweet affair, serving as both a celebration of accomplishments and a farewell to graduating seniors who have left indelible marks on their teams and university. Among the hundreds of attendees—athletic directors, coaches, university staff, teammates, and family members—it was McAdorey and Richardson who received top accolades for embodying the very essence of the “Duke Difference.”
Hailing from St. Catharines, Ontario, Dyson McAdorey’s name has been synonymous with Duke men’s lacrosse for the past four years. A gritty and dynamic midfielder, McAdorey has impressed both on and off the field with his tireless work ethic, unmatched intensity, and fierce commitment to excellence.
A three-year starter and team captain during his senior campaign, McAdorey anchored Duke’s midfield unit, contributing to one of the top offenses in the country. Over the course of his career, he compiled an impressive stat line of 72 goals, 48 assists, and countless hustle plays that often don’t make it onto the stat sheet but are celebrated within the locker room. McAdorey’s game was marked by his ability to create transition opportunities, push tempo, and make crucial plays in high-pressure situations.
Perhaps his most iconic moment came during the 2024 NCAA Tournament quarterfinal against Maryland. With Duke trailing by one in the final minute, McAdorey dodged from the top of the box and rifled a shot past the Terps’ goalie to send the game into overtime. Duke would go on to win, securing their place in the Final Four and setting the tone for an unforgettable postseason run.
Off the field, McAdorey distinguished himself academically as a public policy major with a concentration in international relations. He earned ACC All-Academic honors three times and served as a peer mentor for younger student-athletes. His senior thesis, which explored the intersection of diplomacy and sports in international conflict zones, received university commendation and was nominated for the Sanford School of Public Policy’s Best Undergraduate Thesis award.
“I’ve always believed that being a student-athlete at Duke isn’t just about winning games,” McAdorey said during his acceptance speech. “It’s about growing as a leader, pushing your limits, and giving back to a community that has given so much to you.”
Head coach John Danowski, who recruited McAdorey out of Canada, had nothing but praise for his captain: “Dyson is the kind of player every coach dreams of. He’s relentless, selfless, and brings out the best in everyone around him. He represents the heart of Duke lacrosse.
On the women’s side, Kennedy Richardson, a standout from Charleston, South Carolina, has redefined what it means to be a leader within the Duke women’s soccer program. A four-year starter and two-time All-ACC selection, Richardson has been a pillar of consistency, poise, and strategic excellence for the Blue Devils.
As a central midfielder, Richardson’s game was marked by elegance and precision. She orchestrated Duke’s attack, acting as the engine that kept the team’s rhythm flowing. With 12 goals and 19 assists across her collegiate career, her impact goes beyond raw statistics—she was the glue that held the team together on the pitch and a mentor to younger players off of it.
Richardson’s senior year was one for the books. Not only did she guide Duke to an ACC Championship game appearance, but she also earned First-Team All-ACC honors and was named a semifinalist for the prestigious MAC Hermann Trophy, awarded annually to the nation’s top college soccer player.
Yet, it was her work outside of soccer that truly elevated her into rarefied air. Richardson served as president of the Duke Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), a role that placed her at the forefront of critical conversations around diversity, inclusion, mental health, and academic support. Under her leadership, SAAC launched a mentorship program that paired freshmen student-athletes with senior mentors and developed community service initiatives that engaged over 300 student-athletes across multiple sports.
An evolutionary anthropology major, Richardson plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Public Health with a focus on global health equity. She was a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship and was recently awarded the ACC’s Jim and Pat Thacker Postgraduate Scholarship.
“I came to Duke with a dream to play at the highest level,” Richardson shared during the gala. “But what I’ve gained goes beyond soccer. I’ve grown into a person who’s ready to lead, serve, and lift others.”
Women’s soccer head coach Robbie Church was visibly emotional while speaking about Richardson. “Kennedy is one of the most remarkable student-athletes I’ve ever had the privilege of coaching,” he said. “She’s the standard. Period. She’s transformed our program with her grace, grit, and unwavering integrity.”
The Student-Athlete Recognition Gala honored a variety of athletes across Duke’s 27 varsity sports, but the distinction awarded to McAdorey and Richardson was reserved for the very best. Both were recipients of the Ronald McDonald House Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award, given annually to senior student-athletes who best exemplify excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, and service.
In addition to their individual honors, McAdorey and Richardson were recognized by Duke Athletics Director Nina King and University President Vincent E. Price, who praised the two for their transformative impact on Duke’s athletic culture.
“Dyson and Kennedy are shining examples of the scholar-athlete ideal,” King said. “They’ve left Duke better than they found it, and their legacy will inspire future generations of Blue Devils.”
President Price added, “Their journeys represent everything we strive for at Duke—excellence with purpose, leadership with humility, and commitment with compassion.”
Both honorees have bright futures ahead.
McAdorey has declared for the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) Draft and is projected to be a first-round selection. Multiple teams have expressed strong interest in the midfielder, whose combination of speed and IQ makes him one of the most pro-ready prospects in the nation.
Richardson, meanwhile, has been invited to U.S. Women’s National Team training camp this summer and is expected to sign with a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club ahead of the 2025 season. She is also considering deferring professional play for a year to complete her postgraduate studies.
Regardless of where their paths lead, one thing is clear—Duke will forever count them as ambassadors of the Blue Devil legacy.
In the eyes of teammates, coaches, administrators, and fans, they are not just student-athletes. They are trailblazers, role models, and Blue Devils forever.
