GoDuke.com recently caught up with redshirt senior setter Maggie Deichmeister to reflect on her Duke career.
GoDuke.com: What place on campus do you consider a hidden gem?
Deichmeister: Recently a couple of us have been going to the tower over on West Campus for breakfast and lunch. Right above it is Bella Union, which is a little coffee shop to hang out and do work.
GoDuke.com: What's next after graduation?
MD: Right now, I'm planning on graduating in December and finding a research position in Durham. Stick around for a year and a half while I'm studying for the MCAT and applying to medical school.
GoDuke.com: What's been your proudest academic achievement at Duke?
MD: I would say just getting through all the tough medical school classes. There were definitely times when I doubted whether I should keep going, but I'm in my last med school requirement course and it's gone well so I'm pretty proud I made I through.
GoDuke.com: When did you start playing volleyball?
MD: I know that when I was really young, my mom used to play in recreation leagues at the park. That's how I was first exposed to it. I played a lot of different sports, but my mom and dad took me to some clinics and I instantly fell in love and went from there. As long as I can remember, I've been a setter which is weird because when you're as tall as I am they automatically make you a hitter.
GoDuke.com: What has playing for Duke meant to you?
MD: Duke has always been my dream school since I was in middle school and fell in love with Duke basketball thanks to some of our family friends here in Apex. Getting to play for Duke has been a dream come true. It was a no brainer coming to Duke and playing here has been nothing short of amazing.
GoDuke.com: What's your favorite road trip memory?
MD: Just thinking back to this year, my favorite was when we went to Virginia on a Saturday. It was just a great business trip. We knew we wanted to get in and get out. It was a short little bus trip and we played really well. We were all super excited.
GoDuke.com: What's a lesson you've learned through Duke volleyball?
MD: One thing that our team really stresses that I've learned over the years is just staying true to yourself. Just be yourself and good things will come from that.
GoDuke.com: What legacy do you hope to leave for future Duke volleyball players?
MD: Myself and the other seniors have really stressed it's important to be yourself and allow everyone to be themselves. Bringing everyone together, we have all bases covered with so many different personalities and goals from each individual, just putting them all together to form a great package.
