by Zan Aslet
Daily Lobo
Talented senior Adah Burke is leading the way as the Lobo volleyball team begins the 2004 season.
An impressive performance last season led to a 2004 Preseason All-Mountain West team nomination. In 2003, she held an average of 3.23 digs per game in league play, which was good enough for 3rd in the MWC. She starts the season as the Mountain West Conference's No. 1 returning digs specialist.
Burke, a native of Las Cruces, started her Lobo volleyball career in 2002 as a walk-on. She consistently performed at a level on par with and beyond the scholarship players. The coaching staff decided to award her with a full-ride scholarship for the libero position.
In addition to volleyball accomplishments, Burke also holds a 4.04 GPA in mathematics.
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The key to her success in the classroom and on the court?
"Not having a life," she said.
But she has one particular extracurricular activity she enjoys - salsa dancing. And while her busy schedule may not afford her the time to take part in activities other students can, it is only because she continually puts more time into volleyball.
On the court, she describes herself as "too competitive to lose."
Head Coach Kelley McKee agreed, saying Burke "is always expanding her role in order to take more responsibility. The kid keeps flowering."
Although last year's record of 4-25 was a disappointment, Burke is enthusiastic about the 2004 season.
"We have 100 percent better ability, more athleticism, and the chemistry has definitely improved," she said. "The freshmen will probably see a lot of time."
Burke said she is looking forward to facing UNLV in conference play the most this season.
"They do a lot of (trash) talking," she said.
She is also a huge supporter of walk-on athletes and suggests local players try to walk-on at UNM.
"If you are dedicated and love playing a sport, try to walk-on," she said. "You don't want to have any regrets."
Burke's next big goal might sound familiar to many UNM students.
"(I'm) figuring out what to do after graduation," she said.
But Burke, who has played volleyball in the regular season and summer leagues since 6th grade, assured fans that she will continue participating in the sport at some level, whether playing or coaching.
She also has a message for the community: "Come watch us play."
Burke and the rest of the volleyball team were originally scheduled to kick off the season tonight in a Cherry-and-Silver scrimmage. The game was canceled, however, and the Lobos officially start their season on Friday, Sept. 3 against Creighton University in the Lobo Invitational.
