Burker learns a lot about herself at Slippery Rock

by Matthew Ondesko: Managing Editor

They say it goes just like that. At a snap of finger your four years of college playing days are over. You never know how to really come to terms that something you have done since you were a young girl has finally come to its conclusion.

But, there is is. Your final season. Everything you have worked for is down to the last couple of months. The blood, sweat, tears. The early morning workouts, and practice. The games and finding time to get your school work. Just like that it comes to and ned.

Slippery Rock lacrosse player Grace Burker has seen her time come to an end. A time where she was learning about herself when she stepped on campus her freshman year. To now, a senior, ready to graduate this December.

During her time at Slippery Rock, Burker learned a lot about herself. She learned to rise to the challenges when they were placed in front of her.

“One of the greatest takeaways that I’ve gained from Slippery Rock is the lessons I’ve learned about discipline and hard work. Year after year, freshmen have the opportunity to come in and make an impact on the team if they have prepared and done the work. This also makes the upperclassmen have to earn the spot,” stated Burker. “In college, I’ve learned that you can rise to the challenge or settle with where you’re at. I hate to lose, and I’ve learned how to harness that competitive spirit to benefit not only myself, but my team. This has already helped me in my professional life and will continue to post graduation.”

She also has grown as a person. Maybe her freshman year, Burker was a little shy and unknown about herself, and her game. As time has gone on, she has grown into more of a leader.

Someone who will take control on and off the field. By the time she became a junior on the team, Burker lean red about transparency, and how important it was with her teammates.

“Over my four years, I’ve experienced significant growth, most notably in my leadership style. Initially, as a freshman, I excelled at communicating and directing my teammates on the field, even though I was the youngest girl on the team. I’ve always been someone to lead by example. Every workout that we are assigned in the off season, my team knows that I am going to get it done, regardless of the Buffalo weather,” stated Burker. “However, like many freshmen, I felt nervous about speaking up during team huddles and in the locker room. By the time I reached junior year, I had been named an on-field and off-field captain. My teammates and coaches relied on me to give my best as a goalkeeper and continuously push myself. The big difference by the time I was a junior was that I understood the importance of transparency with my teammates, allowing me to hold them accountable.”

As she gets ready to graduate this December, Burker is ready for the next chapter of her life. Over the past couple of summer’s Burker has gained valuable experience in her field. Besides the experience she gained with her internships, Burker also has made to make sure to get everything she could have out of her four years at Slippery Rock.

While her future isn’t set in stone, Burker is ready for whatever is thrown her way.

“Last summer, I had the opportunity to intern at Univera Healthcare in Buffalo, and absolutely loved the role I was in. This summer, I was in Columbus, Ohio interning with Abbott Laboratories – a prestigious program that received more than 8,000 applications and accepted only about 180 students. These internships have significantly boosted my confidence as a young professional and equipped me for the transition beyond undergraduate studies,” explained Burker. In addition to the work experience I’ve gained, I have aimed to make the most out of the four years I have at Slippery Rock. My major is healthcare administration and management with a concentration in marketing and sales. I’ve been able to pick up two minors (finance and business management) because I have enrolled in 18-credits every semester. I’ll be graduating one semester early (December 2024) and plan to stay at Slippery Rock and pursue a graduate certificate in health informatics for the spring 2025 semester. While my future isn’t set in stone, I’m considering working at one of my internship sites or obtaining a master’s in healthcare administration. Throughout my time at SRU, my passion for my field has grown, fueling my excitement for post-graduation opportunities.”

On the field, Bunker was a rock. She played, and started, 66 games for Silppery Rock, She played in every game since her freshman year. Being able to play so many games during her freshman season allowed Burker to get a feel for the game.

It also allowed her to set a standard that she was to reach for the rest of her college career.

“Playing and starting in every game during my freshman year set a high standard for the rest of my collegiate career. It was a phenomenal opportunity that motivated me to aim even higher. After that season, I made it my goal to work harder during the off-season than the year prior,” stated Burker. “This experience truly demonstrated that nothing is handed to you in college athletics, and that working hard, outside of your comfort zone, will pay off. During the summers, I dedicate myself to conditioning and strength training because there are always other goalkeepers, returning and incoming freshmen, vying for playing time, just like I am.”

She as also one of the busiest goaltenders during her time there. Last season, Burker ranked in the top 15 in the country in saves per game. Facing a lot of shots was something she wasn’t used to during her playing time at Williamsville East High School.

Before each game Burker is getting in the zone. She has her headphones on, tuning everything out around her. She is a quite person before she steps on the field, visualizing what she needs to do to help her team win.

“During high school, I wasn’t too busy in net at Williamsville East, so this was new for me at The Rock. Prior to every game, my teammates know I am really quiet because I spend a lot of time doing visualization with my headphones on,” stated Burker. “This helps me feel prepared and concentrate my mind. During games, I am involved in the play for the entirety of the game because my communication is one of my biggest strengths. I have the best view of the field, so I must direct and lead the back field during games.”

Burker hasn’t been on this journey alone. The Slippery Rock team is loaded with Western New York field hockey talent. One of those players that has been along for the ride is fellow senior Haley Metcalf.

Metcalf and Burker have grown up together, played field hockey together and have known each other since kindergarten. Being able to play with so many Buffalo girls has made the transition to college that much easier for Burker.

“Playing alongside other Buffalo girls has been an incredible experience. As a freshman, knowing familiar faces like Hannah Nurse, Holly Stiller, Erin Roland, and Haley Metcalf helped ease my nerves. The Buffalonians at SRU have their own community making school much more fun – we usually watch Bills games together,” explained Burker. “Erin Roland, once a high school rival from Williamsville North, quickly became one of my best friends and we have been roommates for the past two years. During summers, Erin and I always conditioned together. Haley has been my teammate every year in field hockey – starting in 7th grade. We were even in the same kindergarten class at Maple East. We played for the same club team (WNY Whalers) throughout high school. At Slippery Rock, our bond enhances our performance – we understand each other’s playing style and capabilities, so we can push each other to excel. After my freshman year, we’ve added two more Buffalo natives, Megan Rude and Lacey Berghorn. We share a building with the women’s lacrosse team, and they have tons of WNY representation as well – including their head coach.”