3 minute read
For the Love of the Game: BriAnna Burbridge
By Stacey Walters
The University of Pikeville’s very own BriAnna Burbridge ’21 fell in love with the game of basketball at the young age of six. As an only child growing up in Frankfort, Ky., basketball became a passion and a piece of her that she couldn’t imagine life without.
Captivated by her energy and love for the game, Burbridge’s parents recall an early memory when they got a sneak peek of her playing basketball for Upward, where she couldn’t wait to play the Saturday games and take charge, passing to her teammates and scoring.
Burbridge began playing organized ball in elementary school but quickly realized in high school that her talent on the court could take her to college. She could hoop with the best and displayed versatility by playing in all five positions at one time or another.
During the summer of 2016, Burbridge took her first college tour at UPIKE and instantly felt at home. Coming from a small high school, she was attracted to the small class sizes and community feel at the university.
“I didn’t want to be a small fish in a big pond,” said Burbridge, “At UPIKE, I could form connections with students and professors. I wasn’t just a number, and the campus environment made me feel like this was my second family.”
Burbridge embraced the opportunity to play women’s basketball for the Bears and achieved the 2021 NAIA All- American Honorable Mention Team; 2019 NAIA All-American Third Team; 1000+ Point Club; 2019 Comeback Player of the Year; 2020 UPIKE Women’s Basketball MVP and 2020 UPIKE Female Athlete of the Year. She also set career-high record points, rebounds and steals in a single game while playing at UPIKE.
During her sophomore year, Burbridge underwent surgery after tearing her ACL, MCL and meniscus. It was with tenacity, patience and determination that she came back to the court in 2019 and revealed her all-around skill set, making her one of the best players at UPIKE.
Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach Shelby Wheeler says Burbridge is a special kind of basketball talent that demonstrates ambition on and off the court.
“Bri has an IQ and mind for the game. She’s grown her talent along with how she scouts and prepares for opponents. Her commitment to the team is demonstrated in action. She’s not a loud vocal leader, but she’ll raise our team’s energy in a game by working for a steal or finishing a tough and one,” said Wheeler. “I hope other players have learned from her fortitude to come back after her knee surgery and her involvement with other groups at UPIKE.”
Burbridge experienced challenges and growth, both personally and academically, at UPIKE.
“My experience playing at UPIKE was challenging in the beginning, but with the help of my teammates pushing me and encouraging me to do the best I could do, I was able to achieve the goals I had set for myself,” said Burbridge. “I will always cherish the moments with my team and coaches. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to play basketball and study at UPIKE.”
Serving as a mentor for Burbridge, UPIKE Professor of Psychology LeAnne Epling, Ph.D., says Burbridge is one of the most hard-working and dedicated students she has ever had the pleasure of knowing and teaching.
“BriAnna goes above and beyond not only on the basketball court, but more importantly, in the classroom as well,” said Epling. “She is the epitome of what it means to be a student-athlete, and I know that she will continue to make me and UPIKE proud long after her graduation.”
Burbridge graduated with a double major in psychology and communication from UPIKE in May. She plans to take the graduate record exam and attend a clinical psychology graduate program.
As for what she believes students can learn from her journey, Burbridge said she hopes they will take advantage of all the available opportunities to expand their knowledge at UPIKE.
“Participate in the many different activities that campus hosts for students. They will help you grow out of your comfort zone and interact with professors, faculty and other students on campus. You’ll never know who you can meet, a best friend or significant other,” said Burbridge,
