DURHAM, N.C. – Duke women's lacrosse head coach Kerstin Kimel announced the nine student-athletes who will make up the class of 2013 and join the Blue Devils beginning next season with the 2010 campaign. The talented class includes two players each from Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, and one from Maryland.

"On behalf of our staff and returning players, we are excited and proud to welcome the Class of 2013 into the Duke Lacrosse program. This group represents an incredible mix of talented students, athletes, leaders and lacrosse players who possess tremendous work ethic, competitive spirit and drive to be the best on and off the field. They will be outstanding additions to our program and we look forward to their arrival in Durham in August."

Monica DeMairo will come to Duke as a midfielder from Massapequa, N.Y., and Massapequa High School. A two-time All-America and Academic All-America, DeMairo finished her high school by scoring 76 goals to go with 35 assists as a senior. She earned All-County honors for her success. Her junior year saw her net 53 goals while adding 25 assists on her way to national, state, and county honors. DeMairo has also collected letters in soccer and basketball, and plays club lacrosse with the Long Island Yellow Jackets where she received First-Team All-Galaxy honors.

"Mo is a tremendous all around athlete and a warrior on the field. She utilizes great speed, hustle and a diverse skill set to be a difference maker in midfield play. We expect Mo's versatility to help her make a smooth transition to the college game.."

Kaitlin Gaiss, from North Andover, Mass., though born in New Zealand, was an All-America goalkeeper at Phillips Academy. As a senior she was a NEPSWLA All-Star and a team captain. Gaiss has also earned a pair of varsity letters in both field hockey and ice hockey, and has played club lacrosse with Team REV since the eighth grade. In the summer of 2008, Gaiss played with a Lower New England squad that won its championship game in the National Tournament.

"We are excited to welcome another member of the Revolution club team into our program. Kait is a fantastic goal keeper who possesses great skill, confidence and poise in the cage. We look forward to having her work with Coach Kahoe and continue her development in preparation for ACC and top Division I competition."

Mie Graham will join the Blue Devils from Princeton, N.J., and Princeton High. A midfielder who earned All-Conference honors three times, Graham tallied 27 goals and 21 assists as a junior and posted a total of 34 goals and 25 assists for her freshman and sophomore years. She was named the Princeton High School Female Athlete of the Year and was a second team All-Area selection. In addition to four letters in lacrosse, she has earned three on the soccer field.

"Mie is an outstanding student and a steady, focused and committed lacrosse player who is capable of playing all over the field. I am excited to watch her develop in our program and play with with and against great players each day."

Makenzie Hommel is an attacker out of Setauket, N.Y., and Ward Melville High. She was an honorable mention All-America this past season as well as an All-County selection after scoring 93 goals to go with 25 assists. Hommel was forced to sit out her junior season with an ACL tear, but posted 91 goals and 33 assists as a sophomore as she was an Honorable Mention All-America and All-County selection. As a freshman she netted 32 goals and 17 assists. Twice she has been a part of the Empire State Team gold medal-winning squad, and participated in club ball with the Long Island Yellow Jackets.

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2009-07-29