Gila Ridge’s Duke finding her stride and her home in first season at Arizona

TUCSON, Ariz. (KYMA) - For Addison Duke, coming back closer to home has changed everything.

After beginning her college career with the Ole Miss Rebels softball, the Yuma native transferred to the Arizona Wildcats softball and in her first season in Tucson, she says the fit couldn't be better.

"Honestly, I don't think it could have worked out any better," Duke said. "I think I found the perfect home for me with the perfect people. I love the coaching staff and I love my teammates, every single one of them. It’s a lot different than Ole Miss and honestly, I am so much happier. I get to just be myself and just have fun doing the thing I love, and it’s been great.:

That comfort has translated into production on the field. Duke has stepped into a consistent role in the outfield while also contributing at the plate, hitting near the .290 mark with extra-base hits and timely RBIs. One of her biggest moments so far came earlier this season.

"Honestly, I love all my moments with my teammates on and off the field...they're amazing. I love every single one of them," Duke said. "But I think my first home run of my college career was definitely a highlight that I really enjoyed."

While the numbers tell part of the story, Duke points to the people around her as the biggest reason for her success, especially the coaching staff.

"I think I just have an amazing hitting coach, Coach Amber Freeman," Duke said. "She does everything for us. She gives us an amazing scout, she has an amazing practice plan, and she really tailors to what we need and how we need to get better. I think that has really helped me."

At the plate, her mindset has been simple.

"Just enjoying what I'm doing, keeping everything simple," she said. "When I go in the box, I really just get a good pitch and a good swing, and it works out in my favor a lot of the time right now. Just keeping that up and doing anything I can for the team."

Duke's impact has also been felt defensively, where Arizona has been one of the more consistent units in the country.

"Yes, I think our defense has been amazing," she said. "We just broke our double play record for the school, so that's been amazing. We have a great infield and outfield. I just think we work very well together when we communicate, and we just rely on one another and trust that we’re going to get the ball."

That chemistry didn't happen overnight, but it came together quickly.

"We had a lot of transfers and a lot of freshmen and new people, and the returners really took the time to teach us how the culture is there," Duke said. "We all just got really close really fast. We had a lot of conversations together and really built that connection early on in the fall. I think that's why we're doing so good now."

Off the field, the move to Arizona has meant even more for Duke and her family. Playing closer to home has allowed her support system to be a regular presence, something she didn’t have before.

"My parents are out at every home game," she said. "It's been nice. They did not get to come to this many games at Ole Miss, but getting to see them every weekend has been great. And then I have a lot of friends who have been able to come too, so getting them to come day in and day out has been great."

Now thriving at the Division I level and playing a key role for a competitive Arizona team, Duke hasn't forgotten where she came from, and she hopes her journey sends a message to athletes back in Yuma.

"I think Yuma has its struggles when it comes to just getting out there in front of college coaches," Duke said. "But you can do it. You just have to put yourself out there and talk to as many coaches as you can. Just because you live in Yuma doesn't mean you can't do it."

From Gila Ridge High School to a standout season at Arizona, Addison Duke is proving exactly that finding her place, embracing the moment, and making the most of a fresh start.