Get to Know Former Women's Track & Field Student-Athlete Mary Kate Duncan '18

BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- The next alum in the Moravian College Department of Athletics & Recreation's Get to Know Series is former women's track & field student-athlete Mary Kate Duncan from the Class of 2018. Duncan won the 2017 NCAA Division III National Championship in the javelin in 2017, and she earned All-America honors three times in the event with a third place in 2018 and a fourth place in 2016 to go with her win. Duncan was also a two-time Academic All-American selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America, the 2018 Landmark Conference Women's Track & Field Outdoor Senior Scholar-Athlete, the 2018 Landmark Conference champion in the javelin after runner-up finishes in 2016 and 2017. She also captured the ECAC Division III title twice in the javelin.

Mary Kate Duncan
Class: 2018

How did you choose the sport you played when you were growing up? When I was in 7th grade, i joined the track team. They did not have javelin as an option, but they did have the softball throw. I remember I was always good at throwing things and didn't realize javelin existed until I got to high school. I learned that I was good at throwing that too, so I stuck with it!

Why did you choose to come to Moravian College? I chose Moravian because I was looking for a school where I could focus on both my athletics and academics. Moravian had both a strong public health and track program, so I felt like it was the perfect fit.

What experiences as a student-athlete at Moravian helped prepare you for life after college? As a student athlete you are required to be on time, listen to feedback from your coaches, and work together with others on your team. I have realized many of the skills I learned from being an athlete are also transferrable to the workplace. Employers value those who can be flexible and who can work well with others. It is not an easy transition to go from being a student to a professional adult, but I believe being an athlete in college has helped make the transition a bit easier for me.

How did you get into your current occupation? I just graduated from University of Pittsburgh with my Masters in Public Health. I currently work at UPMC Health Plan as a Strategy Analyst for the Medicare/SNP product team. I was always passionate about public health and helping vulnerable populations. I will always be thankful for my public health advisor, who pushed me to pursue internships outside of my comfort zone. Those experiences I had at Moravian allowed me to solidify my interests in public health.

What was your favorite place on campus? My favorite place was the dungeon (underneath the football stadium). It has a lot of character and not many schools can say they have an indoor space to throw javelins. The javelin team would practice down there in the winter, so a lot of good memories were made!

What activities/organizations were you involved in at Moravian College as a student-athlete? I was in the public health club, volunteered at the food bank and at a local elementary school, tutored, and was a lab assistant. I was grateful Moravian gave me these opportunities so I could be well rounded in both academics and extracurricular activities. 

What was your most memorable moment at Moravian? My most memorable moment was winning nationals my junior year in Cleveland. My coaches, family, and even some alumni were there to support me, so it was great moment for everyone. 

What advice do you have for prospective student-athletes looking to attend Moravian College? Since I left Moravian, the relationships I had made there are still strong. I am grateful that I was able to find a school where both professors and coaches took a sincere interest in each student/athlete. So... if you are looking for a school where you can build personal connections both inside and outside the classroom, then Moravian is the right choice for you!

What advice do you have for current student-athletes as they approach graduation? Enjoy the time you have left with your teammates and coaches. Four years goes by very fast, so don't take things too seriously and remember to have fun!

What is the best piece of advice you've been given? Everything happens for a reason, even if you don't realize it at the time.

Who are your role models/most influential people? My parents have set a good example for me and my siblings. They always remind us to be humble and to be good people in this world. 

Which three people, living or dead, would you like to share a meal with? My grandmother, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Nicks. 

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise most people. At one point in my life, I could actually read and speak Spanish. I minored in Spanish at Moravian but stopped studying it once I left school. Now I can only read Spanish. 

Quick Hits:
Favorite Color – Blue
Favorite Food – Grilled chicken and salad
Favorite Restaurant – Anywhere that serves a good grilled chicken salad. 
Favorite Movie – The Sandlot
Favorite TV Show – My 600 lb Life
Favorite Musical Artist – Fleetwood Mac
Favorite Athlete – Jan Zelezny
Favorite Pro Team – Even though I like to play sports I don't watch them, so I don't have an answer to this question!
Hobbies – Exercising and learning to play the piano
Most Prized Possession – My national championship trophy
Ideal Travel Destination – Ireland
Your Spirit Animal – An elephant
Superpower you'd Like to Have – Time Travel