Seeing to the 'D'

Georgetown’s Chelsea Burke returned to full-time lacrosse in 2016 – with a vengeance.

After missing nearly the entire 2015 season with the Endicott College women’s lacrosse team, Burke was not only a fixture in the lineup again in 2016, but completely vital to Endicott’s success

The Gulls have indeed enjoyed days of success. They entered a May 4 game in the Commonwealth Coast Conference playoffs with a 7-9 record – and the CCC’s Defensive Player of the Year ready to rock-and-roll.

Burke was announced as the Defensive Player of the Year winner on April 29, additionally earning a spot on the All-CCC First Team.  

“I would say this year has definitely been special for me,” said Burke. “Having a year off stunk. Playing again and having an impact has been awesome for me. I attribute most of my success to my teammates and coaches! Without their hard work and dedication, I wouldn't have been able to be recognized as Player of the Year.”

Burke led the Gulls with 16 caused turnovers and was fourth for Endicott in 30 groundballs. She had career-best numbers in draw controls (eight), and goals and assists (four and two, respectively).

“I definitely didn’t expect it,” said Burke, of the Defensive Player of the Year Award. “After being hurt all last year, to be recognized is very nice.”

Although technically a low defender for the Gulls, Burke said she also saw a lot of time as a wing midfielder, which meant she could play both defense and offense, and run the entire field – that helped her to score her first four goals of her college career in this, her junior year.

“I don’t see much time at offense, but progressively this year, I did play more of a midfielder position,” said Burke. “Being a junior, I’m in more of a leadership role, which is different to get used to. I’m not the most vocal type of player.”

The college lacrosse season begins in March, and that was just not a good month for Endicott – the team went 1-8 that month. They couldn’t blame it on the weather, as two of their losses were in games played in Clermont, Fla.

April was much different – everything seemed to finally click, and the Gulls won five in a row before falling in one April game to Roger Williams University. They closed out the regular season with a 12-9 win over the University of New England. Endicott drew that same UNE team for its May 4 CCC semifinal game.

“I’ve never been on a team that is so close. It was a slow season. Being able to turn something around, and now to be in the semifinals, is amazing,” said Burke.

Growing up with the game

The Burke household was alive with lacrosse talk, with sticks, balls and other equipment around the house for any of the three players in residence.

Chelsea’s first coach was her father John, and she didn’t have to look far for inspiration.

Her older brother John played lacrosse at Phillips Andover, and continued to play at the club level at Villanova. Her sister Kelly was a standout for the Royals in the late 2000s, prior to playing both field hockey and lacrosse at Salve Regina University.

“My sister is one of my biggest role models,” said Burke. “I’ve always felt like it was my job to keep up. Kelly saw so much success, and my coach [and Kelly’s] Heather Hartford pushed me to become the player I am today.”

Chelsea was an offensive standout for the Royals prior to her 2013 graduation, but the numbers at Endicott dictated she would be playing defense.

“I pretty much played midfield and attack at Georgetown. When I got to Endicott, I knew if I wanted to see field time, I would have to become a defender,” Burke said.

College lacrosse also took some adjustment, since it really is a different world from the high school game.

“In high school, it’s not very hard to shine in lacrosse,” said Burke. “The ball stays in the air more, there are less whistles, less turnovers. It’s more fun, a way faster and quicker game, and I’ve learned a lot from it.”

It’s also a year-round endeavor – the games might be played in the spring, but Burke always has workouts or stick time to attend to from the start of school in late summer until the season ends.

“We have fall ball three times per week, and in addition to that, we have three lifts per week in the gym,” said Burke. “Since you’re not at school during winter or summer break, they give you a workout program. Starting in February, we practice every day for a month and a half without any games, but that’s definitely worth it in the end once the season begins.”

Burke likes Endicott for many reasons – along with the fact it is close to her Georgetown childhood home, it’s also right on the Atlantic Ocean and has what she needs in academics to attain her future goals.

Burke is a finance major who wants to work in the corporate office of a retail giant.

“I’m passionate about the retail industry. After doing a year of business at Endicott, I thought that finance more encompasses a lot of the major sides of business,” said Burke.

The competitive spirit she shows on the field may just show up in her career someday, as well.

“I like the field of retail and its competitiveness,” said Burke.

So watch out, all you other brands that Burke doesn’t work for – she’ll be defending her brand with all the tenacity of a dedicated Endicott College Gull.