Mimi Duran brings over 30 years of coaching experience in both independent and public schools. She began her tenure at Walker’s in the fall of 2007, where she has spearheaded a highly successful field hockey program. Under her leadership, the team has won seven CISAC League Titles, six CISAC Tournament Titles, and the Class C WNEPSAC Championship Title in 2010, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. Walker’s teams have also participated in the NEPSCA Field Hockey Tournament in the years 2007, 2008, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Duran’s achievements include receiving the Founders League Nadal Sportsmanship Award, as well as being inducted into the Connecticut Field Hockey Hall of Fame and The New Agenda Northeast Hall of Fame. She holds a Level 2 Coaching Certification from the United States Field Hockey Association (USFHA) and is a member of the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA), where she serves on the Scholastic All-American Committee, the Scholastic Committee, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Additionally, she is a member of the Connecticut Field Hockey Coaches Association and serves as a USFHA NEXUS coach.

Duran has also taken teams on international trips to compete in Europe and South America. Many of her former players have achieved All-State and Regional All-American recognition, with several going on to play and captain collegiate teams at the Division I, II, and III levels. Notably, a number of her alumnae have pursued coaching careers at both the high school and collegiate levels, earning induction into the Connecticut Field Hockey Hall of Fame as players and coaches. In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Mimi Duran serves as the Associate Athletic Director. She holds a Masters 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)