As the Duke women's lacrosse program celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2015-16, GoDuke.com will be catching up with several Blue Devil alumnae to highlight memories from their collegiate careers and the paths they've taken to success in their professional fields. Look for the profiles throughout the year, and be sure to check out the 20th Anniversary landing page at goduke.com/wlax20th for more information.
Danielle Kachulis, 2007-10
A three-year starter for the Blue Devils in the midfield, Kachulis helped lead Duke to the 2007 ACC regular season title as well as two trips to the NCAA semifinals. She totaled 42 goals and 10 assists in 82 games played and notched 49 caused turnovers and 76 ground balls. The Parker, Colo., native served as a team captain her senior year and garnered third team All-America recognition that spring. Kachulis was also a two-time IWLCA All-South Region selection and received All-ACC honors her final year. She earned her bachelor's degree in art history and completed a certificate in Markets and Management Studies, and is now the president and owner of Deetrak Supply Co., in addition to managing several industrial properties in the Denver area. Kachulis also serves as a lacrosse coach at Steadman Hawkins Sports Performance.
GoDuke.com: What are some of your favorite lacrosse memories from your time at Duke?
Danielle Kachulis: My memories of Duke began when I came to visit in high school and instantly felt that I was home. But my four years were jam packed with memorable experiences including Blue vs White competitions, spending time with our incredible parents at tailgates post game, beating Maryland as the underdogs to go to the Final Four, living in Belmont with my class post season freshman year, pre-game shoot around's on Koski, Halloween at Ker's house and trick or treating before our entrance… I could go on forever.
GoDuke.com: What lessons did you take with you from your time on and off the field?
DK: How important passion and balance are. Agreeing to that level of a commitment requires that you bring your heart and soul every day. You have to be willing to not only lay it all out there, but to also look forward to doing so. Because of that, making time for yourself to recover and unwind is essential to being able to bring your best self in everything you do.
GoDuke.com: Who were some teammates that influenced you?
DK: My class. I remember meeting these girls and thinking, “Wow, we could not be more different from each other,” and yet somehow it not only worked but was amazing. These are some of the most driven, interesting, diverse and smart women that I have ever known who not only push themselves to be better, but those around them as well. Half of our class played the same position, and rather than having cutthroat competition for a spot, we were met with encouragement and support to be the best players and unit possible. Since Duke, they have all gone on to do fascinating things and they continue to inspire me.
GoDuke.com: How did your education prepare you for your professional career?
DK: The courses I took in the Markets and Management certificate gave me a window into what to expect in the real world and starting a business, but it was my life-lesson education as a student-athlete that has prepared me the most. Knowing how to use time management skills, to be committed to multiple pursuits and still give your full attention and to learn how to work with people with different motivators than you have and cultivate those relationships are all invaluable parts of my education.
GoDuke.com: Describe your career path and how it led you to your current position.
DK: I grew up around the construction industry and there are very few women involved in these professions. Post graduation, I started a certified women-owned, disadvantaged and small business enterprise as a supply company in the railroad industry. While I continue to maintain that business, I am also a part owner of a commercial and industrial real estate acquisitions company and personally manage 11 properties in the Greater Denver Area.
More excitingly, however, is that I have been involved in coaching lacrosse all over Colorado. I was a varsity assistant to my old high school for four seasons, a U15 Team Colorado coach for two, a coach with multiple club programs and now have partnered with Steadman Hawkins Sports Performance as a lacrosse specific coach doing private lessons and guest coaching appearances.
GoDuke.com: What is your favorite aspect of your job?
DK: In my day job, I love being able to be a solution when more often than not small businesses are met with problems instead. As a small business owner, I know firsthand the challenges that come even in the most minor of details, and it is incredibly rewarding to provide a product and a service that alleviates some of those stressors.
In coaching, I can think of nothing better than seeing a passion for lacrosse develop more and more each and every time a player steps onto the field. Being surrounded by the next generation of lacrosse players, seeing how far the sport has come and personally contributing to that is amazing.
GoDuke.com: What have been some keys to reaching the level of success you are at now?
DK: Asking for help and taking risks. A team is always stronger than an individual and recognizing when you need support and using that as an opportunity to learn and evolve is key. Anything worth having is worth working hard for and if you don't try something out of your comfort zone, you will never know what you are fully capable of or what truly interests and inspires you.
GoDuke.com: What advice would you give to current or future student-athletes?
DK: Don't limit yourself or be afraid to make mistakes. Everything you do, do it fully and make the most of every opportunity. Try and learn something from everyone you come across and embrace the days when it all feels like too much because those are the ones where you will grow the most.
GoDuke.com: Any other interests or fun facts we should know?
DK: In the past year I have gotten into yoga in an attempt to finally be able to touch my toes, as well as a form of therapy for recovering from two shoulder surgeries. Every day I get a little bit closer! Otherwise I love traveling all over the states, playing and hiking with my dog Solo and reading pretty much every book I can get my hands on.
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