By Chris Goldberg
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 2/16/13

Jefferson (MN) junior goalie Oralee Mae Hespenheide has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at Duke University.

Oralee Mae Hespenheide ledger:

High School: Jefferson High School,Bloomington, MN

Graduation Year: 2014

Position: Goalkeeper

College Choice: DUKE University

Club Affiliation: MN Elite 2014

Major lacrosse honors, All-Star teams: Under Armour All America Underclassman (Midwest Team 2012); Northstar Invitational Top 150 (2012), Team Captain (2013), All State Team (2011), Varsity Starter since 8th grade (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)

Academic honors: Honor roll

What will you major in/study? “I am looking at Pre-Med, because I want to be an Orthopedic Surgeon.”

Why did you choose Duke? “I love everything about DUKE – great academics, awesome team culture, and location. Most of all I choose Duke because of the way the team feels like a family! I felt at home on campus right away and could envision spending my college career there, it was important to me that I found a college that was welcoming and felt like home.”

What is your HS team’s outlook for the season? “We are looking forward to a season of growth with new coach. As team captain, I am looking forward to helping our team accomplish our team goals and working with our new coach to build a winning team.”

Thank Yous: “I would like to thank my MN Elite coaches for all the guidance and coaching over the years, they have really helped me become the player I am today. The MN Elite program is great because they focus on making us better lacrosse players and always challenging us to work hard and take our game to the next level. I would also like to thank my parents for their support, for always being at my games, and for traveling with me to summer tournaments and college visits!”