WOODBRIDGE, Va. — While many high school students are enjoying their summer vacations, Jessie Burney is studying film, and working on the fielding, and hitting techniques that will give her an edge her final year on the Girl’s Varsity Softball team at Gar-Field Senior High School.
Before her school year gets underway in September, Burney, 17, is already contemplating next steps after she graduates high school and beyond her collegiate career.
Hampton University would be the ideal selection for Burney as she is interested in a career as an athletic trainer. However, she is also exploring her options at a variety of Division II and Division III schools as well.
“Sometimes those division schools have good scholarship opportunities for athletes while still allowing them to pursue their major,” states Burney.
Jessie has many attributes that make her an incredible asset to her team. As a Junior on the Varsity Team, she was named Co-Captain for the Lady Indians; a rarity in high school sports for juniors to be named captains of their varsity team.
When asked about the impact she brings to her team, Burney replied, “I think I bring a great deal of energy to my team and to the game. I can be serious, but I also like to have fun with the sport.”
“It’s encouraging to have Jessie on the team. She’s a great softball player and a leader on and off the field. She inspires her teammates to work hard consistently,” said Gar-Field Varsity Head Coach Tom Brown.
Burney was intrigued with softball after following her sister Randi’s lead; playing on a variety of recreational and travel leagues before competing at the school level. From there, it became a love for the sport that she continues to grow and thrive in.
“The one team I am looking forward to playing this year is Forest Park,” says Burney. “I have a lot of friends who I grew up playing on travel teams with that are also on that team. We were close to beating them last year. Now that we have grown as a team, I think we can beat them this year.”
It’s necessary for an athlete to stay in shape year-round for their sport, but when she’s not training, watching film or working on her game, Burney can be found at the nearest fast food hangout ordering up a cheeseburger.
“It’s so hard because I love fast food and can’t eat it all the time,” said Burney. “My favorite place would have to be Steak ‘n Shake.”
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