SANTA CLARA, Calif. — As a player and coach, Emily Burke '11 has spent six of the last seven collegiate seasons with Santa Clara volleyball. Following a successful tenure in both roles, in addition to a professional playing career in Europe, Burke is stepping away from college coaching.

"To be a part of this program was a dream come true and it was an honor to play here," Burke said. "I grew up in the area and came out to watch Santa Clara volleyball when I was younger. To come back and coach in the same place, to see from behind the scenes what it takes to make a program successful and to have that impact on a program that did so much for me was a great experience." 

"We are sorry to see Emily go," Bronco head coach Jon Wallace said. "She made a big impact on our program as a coach and a player, and helped us get two tournaments in the last three years. The girls will miss her and we're all happy that she will be around as a proud alum. I'm excited for her to start a new journey and chapter in life."

As a coach, Burke spent two seasons with the Broncos as volunteer assistant coach (2012, '14) and two more as an assistant coach (2015-16). Santa Clara reached the NCAA Tournament in three of those four years. The Archbishop Mitty product played for two seasons at San Jose State before transferring to Santa Clara prior to her junior campaign in 2009.

"He had faith in who I was as a player and as a person and allowed me to be a part of something great," Burke said of Wallace. "For him to give me that opportunity seven years ago — I can't thank him enough for that. To work with him and have that dynamic change from player and coach to peer and peer has helped bring the relationship full circle."

Burke played in 101 of the Broncos' 102 sets as a senior in 2010. She ranks 10th in program history in assist average (8.60/set) and 11th in career assists (1,591). The setter garnered Most Inspirational Player honors in 2009 and received the Bronco Award in 2010.

"I've known Jon for a really long time. I met him as a camper when I was 12 years old," Burke said. "He allowed me to chase my dream of coaching college volleyball and I can't thank him enough for that. He has guided me along the way of being a volleyball coach as well as growing into the person I am today. That experience has given me confidence and excitement to move on to a new adventure in life."

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