Getting to Know Freshman Guard Becky Burke
September 19, 2008 | Women's Basketball
Sept. 19, 2008
Louisville, Ky. - As a vital piece to the puzzle, freshman guard Becky Burke, was the final addition to this season's historical women's basketball class. Burke looks to assist the Cardinals in another record breaking season as Louisville will surely benefit from her outstanding shooting ability and unrelenting energy.
"I think I bring energy, toughness, and shooting," said Burke. "I think I can help out in those areas. Overall I think my energy is what I bring to the table."
Burke's journey to the Louisville was definitely a long one, which started in South Carolina. The Abington Heights standout verbally committed to the Gamecock roster however was released from her contract by the Carolina administration after a coaching change. Through the on pour of phone calls Burke received, it was Coach Jeff Walz and his team that won her over.
"Normally you're nervous on your first visit somewhere," said Burke. "I felt like they'd been my friends for years. A couple of phone conversations and we went down for a visit on the weekend and everything seemed to fit. It was almost scary how perfectly things fit together."
Prior to joining the Louisville roster Burke ended a remarkable high school career at Clark Summit PA. The end of her senior season she was named Pennsylvania Class AAAA player of the year by the Associated Press, when she led her squad to a 26-2 finish. Burke racked up 2,162 points for Clark Summit during her four years, while averaging 26 points, nine rebounds, and four assists per game her senior year.
Proving her talent and consistency on the scoreboard, Burke put up similar numbers her junior season averaged 21 points per contest. At the conclusion of both her junior and senior seasons she was selected to the first team All-state and named All-Region player of the year.
A McDonald's All-American nominee and a Women's Basketball Coaches Association Honorable Mention, Burke has most definitely accomplished her share of highlights, but recognizes the heightened level of play Division I basketball demands.
"I think you definitely have to get tougher when you come here, because everybody is a star on their high school team and you still need to prove yourself," Burke said. "It's a lot more physical and I think I have gotten more physical and tougher," said the freshman guard."
Staying busy on and off the court has Burke focused more than ever. While she currently is undecided on her majo,r she realizes time management is an important factor in her day.
"There is a lot of responsibility and time management," stated Burke. "Every minute you have you need to take advantage of it. Nobody is telling you what to do, you have to do it on your own."
Happy with her final decision, Burke is looking forward to the upcoming season and the opportunity of future success for her and her teammates.
Up Close with Burke:
Parents: Michael and Susie Burke
Nickname: Bec bec, Butta
Favorite Food: Fruity Pebbles
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite TV Show: Anything on the Food Network or ESPN
Favorite Athlete: Kobe Bryant
Superstitions: Always wear a headband (with the adidas symblol onver my left eye)
One word that describes me: competitive
The Best Gift I ever received: Bible from my Mom
My Sports Center Highlight would be: Knocking down a 3-pointer at the buzzer to win the National Championship!
