DURHAM, N.C.--
In a season full of uncertainty and unprecedented circumstances, Caitlin Cosme is a rock. As the starting center back, a tri-captain, and one of the Blue Devils' current leading scorers, her role on the team is undeniably important. But Cosme didn't arrive the player she is today- her story is one of hard work and growth.Freshman year, Cosme went from being top dog and captain on her club team to being just another freshman on a talented Duke squad. The defender quickly realized that playing time was not a given and that she would have to put in the work to gain standing on such a skilled and developed team. She played only six minutes her first season, but kept working tirelessly. Her efforts didn't pay off straight away: sophomore year, Cosme was held back by factors out of her control. After struggling with mononucleosis all of preseason, it was another year of low field time. Towards the end of the season however, she got an opportunity to play in the NCAA Tournament, an experience that reignited her fire.
"It made me hungrier for more, and after that I dedicated myself to doing whatever it took to get on that field."
And she did. It was during her junior year that Cosme really started to shine, playing in every match and starting most of them. Through her work ethic and skill, Cosme grew to be a crucial player her junior year, holding down the defensive unit and even scoring a goal during a home game against Syracuse. Her hard work was paying off.
Following a successful junior season, Cosme's senior year is off to another promising start. After scoring the first goal of the season against Wake Forest (a memory she fondly recalls as an "out-of-body experience") she scored another against Virginia, making her one of the team's leading scorers- no small feat for a defender. Head coach Robbie Church praised her play, describing her as "ready to play, whatever it takes, whether it's a grind-it grit game, or a finesse game where we keep possession and pass it."
Not only a great player, she was also recognized by her team for her leadership and was voted by her teammates as one of the squad's three captains. She explains that she is excited and honored that her team recognized her in this way, "not only for my soccer ability, but because they trust me and believe in me that I'm going to lead this team in whatever way possible to succeed."
Cosme has proven that her teammates' trust was rightly placed. Being a leader is a challenge under normal circumstances, and this season is anything but normal. But Cosme is focused on making the most of the situation instead of dwelling on what she might be missing.
"This is what we're given," said Cosme. "I'm a senior. I'm a leader."
Her positive outlook is an example to the rest of the team to take advantage of every opportunity that they are given to play and appreciate the chances they have instead of fighting an impossible battle against circumstances that are out of their control.
"She's our leader on the field, our voice," Church added.
While Cosme is not one to harp on her personal accomplishments, others have no problem applauding her play.
"Caitlin's one of the girls that I know every day, day in and day out, that she's going to come and fight, that she's going to be a warrior," said Church.
Her teammates are also quick to sing her praises.
"She gives our team energy and she gives that extra physicality when we need it," commented freshman Olivia Migli. "She really helps our team stay together and play for each other."
Though she has made huge progress as a player, the senior defender thinks she has grown even more as a leader during her time at Duke. Her on-field successes have not gone to her head, and Cosme keeps her focus on the team as opposed to herself, saying "It's not about me. There's a greater picture, whatever role I'm in."
"Leadership is not just my voice, it's my actions," said Cosme. "It's how I treat people. It's how I receive criticism. It's how I give feedback."
When she joined the Duke squad, Cosme was hit hard by a realization.
"You have to work your tail off, because there are other Caitlin Cosme's in this world," added Cosme.
She learned her freshman year. Instead of letting this get her down, Cosme upped her intensity and motivation, working hard and trusting that results would come. She has taken tremendous strides on and off the field and attributes her growth to a number of factors:
"The coaching staff has always been super honest with me," commented Cosme. "I have really great parents, they never stopped believing in me but always held me accountable and told me that if I want this, this is something that I was going to have to work for. And also me, I'm the type of person that doesn't give up easily."
Clearly hard work pays off, and Cosme's time at Duke proves it. She will be dearly missed come next year, but her time on the team isn't over yet. After a successful first few games of the season, Cosme is already making waves, even garnering national attention. She has already been named to TopDrawerSoccer National Team of the Week this season on three different occasions. Cosme has notched three goals on the season, which leads the Blue Devils.
As the season continues, Cosme's growth as a player and leader will no doubt continue to carry the Blue Devils to future successes.
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October 19, 2020 at 10:19PM
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Hard Work and Growth: Caitlin Cosme's Story - Duke University - GoDuke.com
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