2020 | Maryland | COED

Atholton | Raiders | COED

Team Leadership Characteristic: Brandon’s leadership on and off the ice serves as a positive example for the Atholton Raiders, as well as the other hockey programs, school activities, and the local community. As the Team’s Varsity Captain in 2019-2020, and Alternate Captain during 2017-2018, Brandon infused a new kind of leadership into the organization. In 2019-2020, under Brandon’s leadership, the varsity Raiders achieved its best season since he started high school hockey, finishing regular season 3rd in conference with a 7-3 record and 14 points. His leadership extends beyond the ice to include a compassionate humanitarian side when the team faced the worst adversity, when a player’s father passed away during the season. Brandon provided benevolent support and friendship to a fellow player and worked with hockey team and staff to honor the player’s father’s legacy that resulted in the fellow player electing to finish the season on-the-ice with his team. This was truly a testament to Brandon’s empathetic leadership. Brandon also represented the team, conference and sport as a true ambassador, when the Atholton High School Principal took notice of the team and attended a hockey game. He lauded Brandon’s leadership as the entire team displayed professionalism and exemplified good sportsmanship in the game. Brandon also helped lead unique recruiting efforts (8th grade orientation, back-to-school night) and personally inspired at least 10 new players-to-ice-hockey to join the program.
Hockey Skills: Brandon led by example on the ice as one of the team’s premier defensemen. In 2019-2020, his 10 goals placed him first on the team for scoring and in the conference, he was tied for first for most power play goals with 3. His demonstrated skills were crucial to helping Atholton secure Howard Conference playoff spots in multiple seasons. As a varsity member of the Atholton team for all four years of high school, Brandon has played different positions throughout the year depending upon where he was needed. As a freshman, Brandon tied for 3rd on team for goals scored. During his sophomore year, he was first in team goal scoring with 15 goals, 3rd most goals in conference, and led his team with 17 points. As a player on the Howard Huskies Ice Hockey Club travel program throughout his high school years, Brandon also played near the highest level of competition, most recently with the Howard Huskies’ highest team, U18 AA.
Work Ethic: Brandon works hard across numerous activities, in addition to hockey, that aim for the betterment of others and himself. Beyond hockey, Brandon helped provide community service and outreach as a cadet through JROTC that included fundraising and meet and greets with elderly local residents. Also, he was employed as a Columbia Association lifeguard providing a positive role model for 200+ Columbia area residents and supervising younger children around pools. Brandon also extended his passion for hockey to helping the Baltimore Special Hockey Program introduce the sport and fundamentals to children with disabilities. He also was a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, a Literary Magazine Accounting Administrator, and High School Girls Field Hockey Team Manager. Lastly, Brandon was a member of the Atholton boys’ varsity lacrosse team for 2 years. The distinctive accomplishments of Brandon Duke reflect great credit upon his school, community and teammates.