University at Buffalo and head women’s basketball coach Becky Burke have agreed to a one-year contract extension, Vice President and Director of Athletics Mark Alnutt announced. The extension will keep the second-year head coach in Buffalo through the 2027-28 season.
“I am thrilled for the future of our women’s basketball program under Becky Burke‘s leadership,” said Alnutt. “In her first year, she brought an exciting style of play to Alumni Arena while achieving success in the classroom and prioritizing the department’s community service initiatives. This off season, she successfully rebuilt the roster and added an experienced coaching staff with Western New York ties. I look forward to continuing to work with Coach Burke as she builds this championship caliber program.”
In her first season in Buffalo, Burke led the Bulls to a 12-16 overall record. Picked 10th in the Mid-American Conference preseason coaches poll, the Bulls closed the season strong and finished eighth, earning a spot in the MAC Tournament quarterfinals. Under her guidance, Re’Shawna Stone earned Second Team All-MAC honors, and she fostered the growth of Zakiyah Winfield, who was the top rebounding guard in the nation and finished in the top 20 in the nation in rebounding and double-doubles.
The Bulls ranked in the top half of the league in field goal percentage (.438), three-point field goal percentage (.343), scoring defense (65.1), three-point field goal defense (.315), assists per game (13.8) and assist-to-turnover ratio (+1.0).
Off the court, the Bulls posted a 3.342 GPA, the third highest semester GPA in program history, and were involved in several community service projects throughout the year.
“I want to thank Dr. Tripathi and Mark Alnutt for giving me the opportunity to continue to lead this program through the 2028 season,” said Burke. “When Mark and I initially had this conversation, it was a very easy decision on my part to extend my stay here at Buffalo for countless reasons. I am so appreciative to have an Athletics Director who believes in what we are doing day in and day out in this program to ensure that our young women are taken care of, graduate and have the best chance possible to compete for championships.”
“I believe we now have one of the best coaching staffs in the Mid-American Conference and we are exactly where we want to be from a recruiting standpoint. I’m excited to turn the corner in year two with this year’s team and continue our mission to win a fourth MAC championship at Buffalo. The city of Buffalo and our fan base have been absolutely incredible to my wife and I and we are thrilled to call Buffalo home.”
https://ubbulls.com/news/2023/9/18/womens-basketball-burke-signs-contract-extension.aspx
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