Joining Duke University

Brooke Bailey, formerly known as Griffin, joined the Duke women’s lacrosse team as an assistant coach in July 2018. As she enters her third season with the Blue Devils, her contributions have significantly shaped the program’s performance on the field.

Season Highlights and Achievements

During her second season, the 2020 campaign was abruptly cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, the Blue Devils demonstrated their offensive prowess, averaging 17.67 goals per game—ranking fifth nationally—and 18.78 draw controls per game, which placed them third in the nation. This marked a historic achievement as Duke scored 20 or more goals in each of their first three games, a first for the program.

The team saw an impressive distribution of talent, boasting eight athletes with 10 or more goals, making them the only Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) team to reach this milestone. Notably, First Team All-American Maddie Jenner excelled in her sophomore year, securing 96 draw controls in nine games, which averaged out to 10.56 per game and ranked second in the country.

Notable Player Developments

Under Bailey’s guidance, freshman attacker Caroline DeBellis emerged as a significant contributor, leading the team with 32 points and 19 assists, ultimately earning a spot on the All-ILWomen Rookie Team. Additionally, senior attacker and draw specialist Olivia Jenner was recognized with second team All-America honors during Bailey’s inaugural season at Duke. Jenner also garnered first team All-South Region and All-ACC honors while becoming the all-time leader in career draw controls at Duke with 512.

The Duke draw unit showcased exceptional skills, leading the nation in draw control percentage (.657) and ranking second in draw controls per game (18.74).

Coaching Background and Experience

Bailey’s journey to Duke included a valuable stint as a volunteer assistant coach at Towson, where she contributed to the Tigers’ successful run to the NCAA second round in 2018. A graduate of the University of Maryland, she had a stellar collegiate career, earning numerous accolades, including two first-team All-America selections and being a Tewaaraton Award nominee in 2015. Leading the Terrapins as a captain, she helped secure back-to-back national championships in 2014 and 2015, finishing her career ranked fifth in program history for career goals (197).

Her coaching career began at Boston College, where she assisted the Eagles during the 2016 and 2017 seasons, guiding the team to the NCAA Tournament in both years, including a championship appearance in 2017.

National Team Involvement

Griffin has also been a key member of the U.S. national team since 2015, contributing to their success at the World Cup, where the team clinched its third consecutive title in Guildford, England. Additionally, she played in the Women’s Professional Lacrosse League as a member of the Baltimore Brave.

Educational Background

Bailey earned her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Maryland, laying the groundwork for her career in both athletics and coaching.