Julianna Duckett just arrived at WSU, but she has already made an impact. The fifth-year senior transferred from Pepperdine this year and has proven herself as a valuable asset through the first three games of the season. 

Duckett struck the game-winning goal against Idaho Sunday. Her first goal as a Cougar could not have come at a more important time, as it broke a 1-1 tie. Her impact has gone beyond the crucial goal, having started all three matches for the Cougars, accumulating 216 minutes.

In 2023, the 5’3 midfielder started every game for Pepperdine. She scored one goal and provided a pair of assists while playing 1,452 minutes. She broke out in 2021 as a sophomore when she provided four assists and started 18 games for the Waves. Before that, she started three games as a freshman and was named to the WCC all-freshman team for the 2021 spring season.

Duckett hails from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., where she starred for the Rancho Cucamonga high school team. She was named her school’s MVP in both her junior and senior years, the latter of which saw her notch 17 goals and a dozen assists to go with it. Her older sister Bryanna Duckett also played NCAA soccer at the University of Arizona and UC Davis.

Julianna is studying at WSU to earn her master’s in business. Not only is she a tremendous talent on the field, she is also an academic weapon. She was named to the WCC Commissioners Honor Roll in 2021 and 2022, proving her dedication to both her studies and her sport. 

The Unsung Coug of the Week series will feature a new student-athlete each week for their athletic achievements. The goal is to extend recognition beyond just the big-name athletes and feature a wide variety of unsung stars and players who deserve more appreciation for their athletic achievements.