TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — The University of Arizona has appointed Becky Burke from Buffalo as the new head coach for their women's basketball team.
Burke replaces Adia Barnes , who departed to take over as SMU's coach last week.
Our model focuses on selecting head coaches who emphasize winning through effective teaching, attracting talented players, and nurturing young athletes with strong character," stated Arizona Athletic Director Desiree Reed-Francois on Wednesday. " Coach Burke has demonstrated her ability as an outstanding developer of successful programs and is emerging as a prominent figure in college women’s basketball. Her history shows transformative achievements. Additionally, she understands both the Wildcats and the close-knit community here in Tucson.
During his tenure over the last three seasons with the Buffalo team, Burke guided them to a record-breaking total of 30 victories and clinched the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) title for the season 2024-25. Despite being predicted to place fourth in their conference, he successfully navigated the squad into the finals of the Mid-American Conference tournament.
Previously, Burke had a two-season tenure as the head coach at USC Upstate and another two seasons at the Division II program for the University of Charleston. Following her time as an assistant at both Saint Joseph's and Cal State Fullerton, she went on to coach for two years at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University located in Prescott, Arizona.
Burke participated in the NCAA Tournament with Louisville as a player on three occasions, which included an appearance in the 2009 national championship game.
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