From Friends Seminary to Duke’s Courtside Crew

Congratulations to David Williams ’23, who is now in his second year as a Student Manager for the Duke University Men’s Basketball team—one of the most respected and tradition-rich programs in college athletics. Currently an Economics major, David brings his signature work ethic, passion for sports, and collaborative spirit to the Blue Devils under Head Coach Jon Scheyer, the 20th head coach in Duke’s storied history.

At Duke, being a basketball manager is far more than handing out towels or filling water bottles—it’s a demanding and immersive role that requires over 40 hours of commitment each week. David supports the team’s day-to-day operations by collaborating closely with coaches, players, and staff to enhance performance, facilitate practices, oversee gameday logistics, and ensure everything runs with precision. Whether rebounding at dawn or coordinating gameday transitions, he plays a critical part in the rhythm of a nationally elite team.

Reflecting on his time at Friends Seminary, David credits his foundation in sports as essential to his current role. “Athletics played a massive role in my current interests,” he shares. “Sports at Friends—whether soccer, basketball, or volleyball—taught me the value of being part of a team working towards a common goal. This is a skill that I still use now, as I participate in on-campus sports, and also while working for the Men’s Basketball team.”

From serving as a supportive teammate on Friends’ courts to managing one of the most intense athletic environments in college sports, David continues to lead by example, showing that success comes not only from skill—but from showing up, doing the work, and lifting others along the way.