DURHAM — Throughout the spring and summer, GoDuke.com will continue to spotlight different Duke women’s soccer alumnx. Our next update is with Mandy Manzanares DeOrio, a 1997 Blue Devil graduate. She appeared in 55 matches over three seasons, while making 26 starts. DeOrio scored 11 goals, added six assists and totaled 28 points.
GoDuke.com: Where are you living these Days?
Mandy Manzanares DeOrio: Huntsville, Ala., for the last 16 years
GD: Where did you end up getting your Master’s degree and what did you study?
MMD: I received my Master’s degree in Allied Health Science from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas – to work as a Physician Assistant.
GD: Since graduating from Duke, what have you been up to?
MMD: I chose to stay home, full time, in order to raise my kids, and have loved every bit of it! My oldest daughter, Madison, is 19, and my son, Tyler, is 17. I will be an empty nester in a little over a year and will likely return, part-time, to the P.A. profession after getting my son gets settled in college.
GD: Following your collegiate soccer career, did you try to go play professionally at all?
MMD: No, I focused on furthering my education. It also didn’t help that I had compromised knees — four surgeries on each, including an ACL reconstruction on each knee before ever coming to Duke.
GD: Looking back at your Duke soccer experience, what are some things that you look back on and cherish?
MMD: I vividly remember beating UNC at Fetzer Field on October 19, 1994. We broke their 101-game winning streak, one of the longest unbeaten streaks in college sports at the time, and their first ever home loss. The Duke players and fans rushed the field and one big celebration ensued. I will never forget that night or that moment the final whistle blew.
I also loved the travel experiences and memories with my teammates, and I can look back now and say that I honestly miss some of the conditioning drills!
GD: Are you able to keep in touch with many teammates/coaches?
MMD: Yes, I keep in touch with a few close teammates quite often with visits and calls, and always look forward to seeing Coach Overbeck when we come to see a Duke women’s soccer games at home. I try to see our old trainer Jen McCollum, and it’s always a treat to get to see…
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