Mimi Duran has over 30 years of coaching experience, both in independent and public schools, and began her tenure at Walker’s in fall 2007 leading an aggressive field hockey effort, winning seven CISAC League Titles, six CISAC Tournament Titles, and the Class C WNEPSAC Championship Title in 2010, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. Her teams have appeared in the NEPSCA Field Hockey Tournament in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.

She holds a Connecticut Coaching Certification, Level 2 United States Field Hockey Association (USFHA) Coaching Certification, and is a member of the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (USFHA), the Connecticut Field Hockey Coaches Association, and a USFHA NEXUS coach. Duran has taken nine teams to the National Field Hockey Festival and three teams to play in Europe. Several of her former players have earned All-State recognition, Regional All-American recognition, and have played Division I, II, and III field hockey at the collegiate level. Several alumnae have pursued coaching and coach at the high school and collegiate level.

In addition to her coaching duties, Mimi Duran is Associate Athletic Director. She holds a Master’s degree in Professional Sports Management from Georgetown University.

What was it about The Ethel Walker School that made you want to work here?

The all-girls environment and the opportunity to work with strong women within the Athletic Department.

Who is your biggest female role model? Why?

My mom, because she taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. She stressed the importance of being true to myself and cultivating the why before the what.

What was your favorite subject when you were in middle or high school? Why?

Environmental Science because I enjoyed the outdoors and wanted to someday work as an interpretative guide in the National Parks System.

What is your favorite Walker’s tradition?

Dogswood Day!

If you were to give advice to an incoming Walker’s student, what would it be?

Embrace everything new.

What advice would you give to a graduating Walker’s senior?

“Judge nothing, you will be happy. Forgive everything, you will be happier. Love everything, you will be happiest.” – Buddha

What is the most rewarding part about working at Walker’s?

Teaching of course! Every day is full of surprises, no day is the same, and it is a joy to work in this environment.

Please list any awards, fellowships, or distinctions you have earned during your career:

2020 – M.D. Nadal Award for Sportsmanship (Founders League)
2019 – 300 NFHCA Victory Club Award (NFHCA)
2015 – Connecticut Field Hockey Hall of Fame (CFHCA)
2011 – 200 NFHCA Victory Club Award (NFHCA)
2011 – New AGENDA: Northeast Woman’s Hall of Fame
2006 – Field Hockey Coach of the Year (CHSCA)
1998 – Small School Coach of the Year (CFHCA)