At Robert Kline Art, we know firsthand the power of connecting with those who share our passion. That’s why we’re always inspired by stories of community and mentorship, like the recent virtual networking event hosted by the Duke women’s soccer program. Though the pandemic may have changed the game plan, it couldn’t stop this inspiring group from coming together to support the next generation of artists and athletes.
Bridging the Gap Between Passion and Profession
For the past four years, the Duke women’s soccer program has organized an alumni networking event, creating a valuable space for former and current players to connect. But in a year marked by social distancing and virtual gatherings, how do you recreate the magic of an in-person event?
Molly Germanese, a Duke women’s soccer alumni advisory board member, was determined to find a way.
“Life kept going on,” Germanese shared. “We’ve all had a year’s worth of events that were supposed to be in-person that have been moved virtually, so there was a lot of precedent for us being able to actually do it.”
And so, the event went virtual, leveraging the power of technology to bridge the gap between past and present Blue Devils.
Women's Soccer Huddle
The Duke Women’s Soccer Team huddles before a match
A New Playing Field: Navigating Virtual Connections
On February 27th, eighteen Duke alumni from diverse professional backgrounds, including finance, healthcare, education, and professional soccer, joined current student-athletes in a virtual networking event via Zoom.
Breakout rooms, organized by professional fields, fostered focused conversations and mentorship opportunities. Former NWSL player Kim DeCesare and current Sky Blue FC forward Imani Dorsey led a session for players interested in pursuing professional soccer, highlighting the nuances of transitioning from collegiate to professional play.
While the event presented unique challenges in establishing the same level of organic connection as an in-person gathering, Germanese and the advisory board implemented strategies to foster engagement.
“We introduced ourselves,” Germanese explained. “I made short bio slides – ‘This is when I graduated, this is what I majored in, this is what I do today.’ I really wanted to make sure that if there were questions, it was a forum for questions.”
More Than a Game: The Value of Mentorship and Community
Head coach Robbie Church expressed his appreciation for the event, emphasizing its importance for both alumni and current players.
“It’s always very good to see them,” Church remarked. “It makes you smile, makes you laugh. It brings back a lot of memories. I spent a lot of time with a lot of those young ladies, and now they’ve all grown up. Some of them have kids, are married and have terrific careers. I’m very proud of all of them and I appreciate all their time and effort. They have a busy life themselves, and for them to take time off on a Saturday afternoon for us means a lot.”
Mary Long
Duke Women’s Soccer player Mary Long in action
This event beautifully embodies the spirit of Robert Kline Art – a belief in the transformative power of creativity, community, and the sharing of knowledge. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, connection and support can thrive, inspiring future generations to pursue their passions with confidence.
What are your thoughts on the power of mentorship and community in pursuing your creative dreams? Share your experiences in the comments below! And if you’re looking for unique, handcrafted gifts that celebrate connection, be sure to explore the beautiful creations available on our website!