The spring semester is underway and, as a result, spring sports are on the way back. Basketball is going strong, but both baseball and softball will join the party soon, and the Duke Blue Devils will be well represented in both.
Softball America released its preseason top 25 on Monday and the Blue Devils, fresh off their first-ever trip to the Women’s College World, landed inside the top 10 at No. 8.
Duke led five ACC teams in the standings, with the Florida State Seminoles next at No. 10. The California Golden Bears (No. 19), Virginia Tech Hokies (No. 22), and Virginia Cavaliers (No. 24) followed suit.
The Florida Gators took the top overall spot in an SEC-dominated poll with the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners in hot pursuit.
The Blue Devils hope to recreate what was a magical season in 2024. Last season, Duke finished 52-9 and 20-4 in conference play to win the ACC. The Blue Devils rode their success all the way to Oklahoma City for the first time in program history.
Ultimately, though, they fell in back-to-back games to the Sooners and Alabama Crimson Tide, ending what was a special season.
Third-year second baseman Aminah Vega will be an early name to watch. The star junior and reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year made Softball America’s Preseason First Team All-American squad just last week after she batted .369 with 18 doubles and 12 home runs. If Duke is to recreate that magic, they’ll do so thanks to strong play from her.