Duke women's lacrosse coach Kerstin Kimel has had surgery and is undergoing treatment for breast cancer, university officials said Thursday.
Kimel, in her 20th season with the Blue Devils and the only head coach the program has had, will continue to coach the team while undergoing treatment. She was diagnosed last month and the disease was caught in an early stage, according to a two-paragraph news release.
"First, I am extremely blessed to have an amazing group of doctors and medical staff here at Duke," Kimel said in the news release.
"I don't think I could ever thank them enough for their efforts through this process. Second, I am grateful for the outstanding support from our administration, my assistant coaches, co-workers, alumni and Duke Lacrosse families. Most importantly, the young women in our program have handled this sensitive situation just as I had hoped – with class and integrity – and I am so appreciative and proud of each and every one of them.
"This group has worked incredibly hard this year, both on and off the field, in preparation to be the best team we can be, and compete for the ACC and NCAA Championships. I look forward to continuing that journey with them this season. Jack, our children, our extended family members and I are so fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful, caring people in the Duke University community. We are thankful for and truly appreciate all of the support."
Kimel, a Maryland graduate and the 1993 National Defensive Player of the Year, has a 241-118 record at Duke, where she has molded the Blue Devils into one of the nation's top Division I programs. They have been to the NCAA tournament 17 straight times and made it to the semifinals six times.
The Blue Devils are 1-0 this season and play their next game at home vs. Richmond Friday before hosting Navy Sunday.