Duke Athletics once again demonstrated the power of student-athlete leadership and service during its annual Week of Service, bringing together 111 volunteers, including 69 student-athletes and 42 staff members, representing a wide range of programs and departments across the athletics community.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in 16 service opportunities benefiting 12 community organizations, creating meaningful connections and delivering measurable impact across the Durham community.
A Week of Action and Impact
From supporting food access to mentoring youth and uplifting patients, Duke student-athletes and staff stepped into the community with purpose:
- Meals on Wheels Durham: Volunteers completed 42 delivery routes, providing meals and connection to senior neighbors
- Duke Cancer Center: Over 130 cards were written and delivered, along with in-person visits to patients
- Emily K Center: Student-athletes led financial literacy sessions for local youth
- Duke Campus Farms: Volunteers built picnic tables that will serve the community for years to come
- Tutoring & Mentorship Programs: More than 100 students received academic support and guidance
- Open Table Durham Food Pantry: Volunteers assisted families facing food insecurity
Additional community partners included the Boys & Girls Club of Durham, Emanuel Iglesia Food Pantry, Ronald McDonald House, DSAG Shoe Drive, Root Causes, and the YES Consortium.
In total, the week resulted in 233.5 hours of service, reflecting Duke Athletics’ commitment to showing up consistently and meaningfully for its community.
Student-Athletes Leading Beyond the Game
Duke student-athletes played a central role not only in participating but in leading these efforts—serving as mentors, role models, and ambassadors of service. Their involvement extended beyond hands-on work to building relationships and inspiring the next generation.
“We love when our young people get the chance to spend quality time with worthy role models… those connections and conversations matter and inspire them.”
— Andrew Borresen, Boys & Girls Club of Durham
For many student-athletes, the experience also offered valuable perspective:
“It was great for the team to spend time together outside of soccer and give back… we gained a better appreciation for the work that goes into growing food.”
— Aridon Racaj, Duke Men’s Soccer
Building Sustained Community Partnerships
Duke Athletics’ Week of Service is part of a broader, ongoing commitment to community engagement. Their continued partnership with Meals on Wheels Durham is one example of that sustained impact.
Over the course of the academic year, Duke Athletics supported the organization through multiple service efforts, helping deliver meals, prepare food resources, and serve seniors across the region.
“Through three engagements in a single year, Duke Athletics directly contributed to ensuring that vulnerable seniors received consistent access to nutritious meals.”
— Nia Richardson, Meals on Wheels Durham
At Emanuel Food Pantry, volunteers made an immediate and powerful difference:
“Their hard work and extremely good humor helped us serve over 615 clients during their two-hour shift… we are so very grateful for our partnership with Duke Athletics.”
— Pam Ryan, Executive Director
A Lasting Impact
Duke Athletics Week of Service highlights what’s possible when student-athletes come together with a shared purpose—combining teamwork, leadership, and compassion to create real change.
From delivering meals and mentoring youth to building resources that will benefit the community long after the week ends, Duke student-athletes continue to embody what it means to lead through service.
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