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Junior Kaitlin Duff is the anchor to the Cavaliers’ midfield this season. Among the nation’s leaders in caused turnovers, Duff is five shy of becoming the fifth Cavalier to cause 100 turnovers during their career. An All-ACC team member a year ago, Duff looks to help the Cavaliers in their quest for a fourth-straight ACC Championship this week, when Virginia takes on Virginia Tech at 1 p.m. on Thursday in the first-round of the conference tournament in Blacksburg, Va.
Question: When were you introduced to lacrosse?
Duff: I was first introduced to lacrosse in fifth grade. There was a little camp that I went to and I really enjoyed it. I had been playing soccer and as soon as I tried playing lacrosse, I knew that it was something I wanted to continue to do later in life. I love how the game is played at a very fast-pace and there is more scoring in lacrosse, which makes it more interesting.
Question: What gives you the most satisfaction in a game?
Duff: I think checking someone from behind gives me the most satisfaction. I love watching when my teammates do it as well. I think it keeps the game interesting and helps get people excited.
Question: What is your most memorable lacrosse moment since playing for Virginia?
Duff: Definitely our comeback win against Duke in the semifinals of the NCAA tournament as a first year. Before the game had started, a senior on the team, Jessy Morgan, had told us about a book that she had read where if you think positive, good things will happen. I think we all had that in the back of our minds, because as we were down by 10 or so, we still thought we could win the game. Being able to come back on such a great team has really helped me, this season especially. When we have been down, I always think back to that game to help me realize that we can win.
Question: Any reason behind your uniform number being 10?
Duff: No reason at all. I actually wanted to be number 11 because that was my dad’s and brother’s numbers, but that was taken so I just picked 10.
Question: What made you come to Virginia for college?
Duff: I love everything about Virginia the school, the campus, the location and the people. I really loved the coaches when I was being recruited. I thought they were very down to earth, as well as the team. I also loved how there is a great balance between academics, athletics and the social life here. I have really been happy with my decision and I am so grateful that I have had the chance to play for such a great school.
Question: With the summer quickly approaching, do you have a job or any plans for the break?
Duff: This summer I am going to be in New York City. I am going to be interning at a company called Quintessentially and also at Nicole Miller. Julie Myers was kind enough to give me an e-mail of a former lacrosse player here, and she helped me by sending my information to her clients, one of them being a sales rep at Nicole Miller. I have always been really interested in the fashion industry, so I am really excited about getting to learn more about it. When I am not interning though, I will definitely be laying out in the sun!