Four Senior Blue Devil Managers Bid Farewell

By Lily Hiser, Duke Sports Information Student Assistant

DURHAM, N.C.-- As Faith Suggs and Sofia Roma, the two seniors on the Duke women's basketball squad, were recognized at the final home game of the 2018-19 season against North Carolina on March 3, another important group was also honored. Senior team managers Tomas Cabo-Hervada, Sade Dinkins, Alex Tan, and Tara Vigil were recognized by the coaches, players, and Cameron crowds for all of their contributions to the program's successes through their years of hard work.

When these four students decided to become managers for the women's basketball team, they were all driven by different things, but a love for the sport was the uniting factor.

“I became a manager because I was an athlete throughout high school and wanted to stay connected to an athletic program,” commented Vigil. “Also, I mean, it's Duke basketball.”

Passion may have drawn them to the role, but it is their ability to efficiently use their time and work as members of a team which has led to their managerial success. Team manager responsibilities encompass all of the behind-the-scenes needs of the basketball squad at practice, ranging from running the clock, assisting with drills, and ensuring that all players and coaches have the supplies they need. When it comes to game day, the managers start their duties hours before the fans arrive, attending the team's shoot-around, setting up benches and locker rooms, and participating in pre-game warmups. Once the game starts, the managers sit behind the team's bench to take stats, film, and provide water and other supplies.

“I really enjoy game days, both home and away,” remarked Tan. “It's always exciting to see the girls in action and see all of their hard work come together.”

While most of their responsibilities are not seen by the public eye, their hard work does not escape appreciation from the coaches and players.

“They've been an incredible group, very dedicated, very positive,” said Duke head coach Joanne P. McCallie. “Just so consistent and so upbeat.”

Even though their work load can seem daunting, each senior manager looks back fondly on their careers, savoring not only the close connections they have made with many people surrounding the women's basketball program, but also because they are able to see their effort pay off.

“My favorite part of being a manager is seeing both the tangible and intangible results of my hard work,” states Dinkins.

In the midst of their hard work, it is these close connections which are the foundations for some of the managers' most cherished memories. For Cabo-Hervada, one particular connection with former player Angela Salvadores stands out, starting from her reaction when he spoke to her in Spanish for the first time. As a native Spanish speaker himself, Cabo-Hervada was able to connect with the freshman player from Spain and make her feel at home, a special moment from his time which he cherishes.

Over so many seasons, the senior managers all have special connections and moments like this, whether they were from an exciting finish to a game, a big upset, or just simply an off the court moment with a player or coach. From hosting the NCAA Tournament to energetic home wins over competitive opponents, each season has brought the managers exciting new experiences both in Cameron and on the road.

Although their times at Duke are drawing to a close, all four senior managers have bright futures to look forward to, with the skills they have gained as managers making them assets to any career they will pursue.

“Some of the most important skills I have developed as a manager are communication, attention to detail, the ability to work well under pressure, and being a great team player,” remarked Cabo-Hervada.

As a soon-to-be holder of a degree in both Economics and Psychology, Cabo-Hervada will need all of the aforementioned skills as he begins his career as an analyst with Morgan Stanley in his hometown of New York City. Tan will also be moving to New York, as she starts working at Goldman Sachs, using her degrees in Economics and Psychology. Vigil plans to go into education policy after graduating with a B.A. in Psychology, a minor in Education, and a Child Policy Research Certificate. With her degrees in Visual and Media Studies and African and African American Studies, Dinkins will apply the passion she put into her role as a manager in order to positively impact the world she leaves in.

Even though the managers will likely face ups and downs as they begin these new chapters in their lives, their experiences as important members of a program which likewise has faced ups and downs has prepared them for whatever life may throw their way.

“As far as lessons learned, I think the biggest takeaway for me is that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose – and that its okay,” concludes Cabo-Hervada. “It took four years with the program to truly understand the significance of the 'big picture' – why we play sports, or do anything, for that matter.”

#GoDuke