Completed Event: Rowing at Head of the Charles on October 17, 2025 , , NTS
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Final
Rowing
at Head of the Charles
DWR Alumna Spotlight: Katie Dukovich
4/23/2020 8:58:00 AM | Rowing
DURHAM, N.C. – The Duke rowing Alumna Spotlight continues this week with Katie Dukovich, a 2016 graduate who turned in one of the most decorated careers in program history.
Dukovich's resume in Durham includes ACC Freshman of the Year honors in 2013, three CRCA All-Region recognitions and First-Team All-America status as a senior, becoming just the third-ever Blue Devil to do so.
While she left her mark on the Duke record books, Dukovich has gotten just as much out of her post-rowing life. Now working as an environmental scientist in her hometown of Pittsburgh, Penn., her first job after graduating was in the education field.
"I worked at a school where I was responsible for overseeing the care and education of children and young adults with multiple and severe physical and/or mental disabilities," she said. "I did that for almost three years. It was an immensely rewarding experience and working there changed my outlook on life. I eventually had to leave the school to begin a career in the environmental field."
Despite remaining occupied, Dukovich admits she faced an adjustment period after she graduated and no longer experienced the rigorous training schedule the Duke rowing program presents.
"I make sure to exercise every day," she said. "No one prepared me for how hard it is to become a 'normal' person after being a Division I athlete. It's a daily battle with eating right and maintaining fitness without structure. I miss having like-minded people around me doing workouts. It's a struggle but I do my best."
While she says her favorite activities while Pennsylvania's stay-at-home order is in effect include spending time in nature and playing with her dogs, Dukovich often recalls her experience in Durham. She remains in contact with her former teammates, ones who helped lay the foundation for the program in Head Coach Megan Cooke Carcagno's first season at the helm.
"My favorite thing about Duke was all the strong women I had the honor of getting to know," Dukovich said. "These women helped me more than they could imagine and they still help me get through obstacles today."
She says that team felt a "huge" impact from the direct coaching staff as well as the support staff in that 2015-16 season, which saw the Blue Devils finish second at the ACC Championship – their best finish in the event since 2006 – and make their first appearance at the NCAA Championship in program history.
Dukovich concluded her career in a critical role with in the varsity-8 boat, earning All-America honors and reaching the pinnacle of the sport. However, it was not the individual accolades or team results that she wants to pass on to the current group, but rather the emphasis on forming bonds that will last well beyond a four-year career with DWR.
"Cherish the little moments and your friendships," she said. "The more fun you can have with the sport and with each other, the better your boat will be."
#GoDuke
Dukovich's resume in Durham includes ACC Freshman of the Year honors in 2013, three CRCA All-Region recognitions and First-Team All-America status as a senior, becoming just the third-ever Blue Devil to do so.
While she left her mark on the Duke record books, Dukovich has gotten just as much out of her post-rowing life. Now working as an environmental scientist in her hometown of Pittsburgh, Penn., her first job after graduating was in the education field.
"I worked at a school where I was responsible for overseeing the care and education of children and young adults with multiple and severe physical and/or mental disabilities," she said. "I did that for almost three years. It was an immensely rewarding experience and working there changed my outlook on life. I eventually had to leave the school to begin a career in the environmental field."
Despite remaining occupied, Dukovich admits she faced an adjustment period after she graduated and no longer experienced the rigorous training schedule the Duke rowing program presents.
"I make sure to exercise every day," she said. "No one prepared me for how hard it is to become a 'normal' person after being a Division I athlete. It's a daily battle with eating right and maintaining fitness without structure. I miss having like-minded people around me doing workouts. It's a struggle but I do my best."
While she says her favorite activities while Pennsylvania's stay-at-home order is in effect include spending time in nature and playing with her dogs, Dukovich often recalls her experience in Durham. She remains in contact with her former teammates, ones who helped lay the foundation for the program in Head Coach Megan Cooke Carcagno's first season at the helm.
"My favorite thing about Duke was all the strong women I had the honor of getting to know," Dukovich said. "These women helped me more than they could imagine and they still help me get through obstacles today."
She says that team felt a "huge" impact from the direct coaching staff as well as the support staff in that 2015-16 season, which saw the Blue Devils finish second at the ACC Championship – their best finish in the event since 2006 – and make their first appearance at the NCAA Championship in program history.
Dukovich concluded her career in a critical role with in the varsity-8 boat, earning All-America honors and reaching the pinnacle of the sport. However, it was not the individual accolades or team results that she wants to pass on to the current group, but rather the emphasis on forming bonds that will last well beyond a four-year career with DWR.
"Cherish the little moments and your friendships," she said. "The more fun you can have with the sport and with each other, the better your boat will be."
#GoDuke
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