RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
In the 2024 Extra Elite 100 Rankings published just last month, Sydni Burko was highlighted as a Top 10 honoree and in her bio the following was highlighted:
Sydni helped lead Regan Krause’s Bandit to a 25-10-4 record this summer with Top 3 finished at Top Gun Invitational and at Boulder IDT. She brings a scary bat with power to the plate and one opposing coach called her “intimidating.” She has a 64-mph arm and scored an 85.67 on the Allister Index which in its report noted that “she barrels it up consistently.”
Her trainer, Ty McKinney, calls Syd:
“One of the most well-rounded ball players I have ever seen, a kid that has the work ethic to be one of the best in the game.”
Adam LaLonde, the former Univ. of Missouri assistant coach and now owner of Adam LaLonde USA Softball Training Academy in Kenova, West Virginia, says:
“In my opinion Sydni is easily in the top five position players in the country in Class of 2024. She stands out in all aspects of her game with unbelievable hands, a strong arm, a batter hits with power and has a gift that I like to say is ‘softball sense.’ She thinks well ahead of others her age and is capable of making big time plays all the time. Syd’s definitely that game-changing kid for any team she’s on and, if I were still at Missouri, I would definitely be recruiting her right now.”
High praise, indeed, for the junior talent who very recently decided she’ll be playing in the Big Ten in the near future; here’s what Sydni has to say about finalizing her college decision…
*****
Name: SYDNI BURKO
Hometown/ST: Barboursville, WV
Grad Year: 2024
Position(s): 3B/ UT
Club Team: TN Mojo 2024 – Abernathy
High School (City/ST): Cabell Midland HS
GPA: 4.1
College: Indiana University
Preferred College Major: Criminal Justice
When and how did you commit to Indiana?
Oct. 9, 2022… I committed at the end of my official visit.
What was it that won you over?
The character of the coaches, the staff and the players involved with the softball program. I knew right away this is where I wanted to spend my four years of college with.
What struck you most on your trip?
I went to several prospect camps there in the past and I had an unofficial visit couple weeks ago. Everyone was just so genuine and kind. And the campus is really beautiful.
What’s been your most memorable softball experience?
Beating the Texas Hotshots on a walk-off hit during an elimination game in the bottom of 7th at PGF Nationals couple years ago.
What would you say are your strengths on the field?
I’m would say I’m an all-around player who is a great teammate and I have a high softball IQ.
Have you set personal goals for yourself for this year? Or in general?
Yes, to be the best teammate I can be and help my team win.
What would you say is your philosophy in life?
My life is in God’s hands and I am living out whatever His plans are for me.
If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be on-field? Off the field?
On the field: Determined.
Off the field: Caring.
What worries you most about what you and your classmates your age are facing now and in the future?
That people are getting further away from God.
If you won a million dollars and had to spend it all in 24 hours, how would you spend it?
I don’t know, but I would try to help people.
What’s been your favorite vacation or place you’ve visited?
I really enjoyed driving through the Midwest and looking at the beautiful land there.
What’s been your favorite place you’ve placed softball?
PGF Nationals in California.
What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in life?
The passing of my Nana, she battled cancer all my life and was the best fighter. She was a great person and my best friend that I could have ever asked for. I miss her every day and she was truly the biggest inspiration in my life.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what’s the one thing you’d want to have with you (sorry: can’t be a phone as they’re no cell towers nearby!)?
My Bible, there is nothing that fulfils me more than reading His word.
If you could have dinner with anyone… living or dead… who would it be?
Desmond Doss (he received the nation’s highest award for bravery and courage under fire… click HERE to read his story) or Marcus Luttrell (a retired United States Navy SEAL who received the Navy Cross and Purple Heart for his actions in June 2005 against Taliban fighter… click HERE to read his story).
I think they are just two great men everyone could learn from.
EXTRA INSIGHTS:
What’s your favorite softball item?
My custom Wilson A2000 (it has my name “SYD” beside the American Flag)
Favorite item(s) in your closet:
My Jordans, my Lamelo Ball basketball jersey and my Aaron Judge All State Game baseball jersey.
Favorite school subject:
Sports Medicine and American Sign language class
Best way to unwind is…
A hot shower, cup of hot tea and a good movie.
What’s playing in your headphones right now?
Zach Bryan (all his songs)
Celebrity you’d like most to hang out with…
Sadie Robertson Huff and the family of Duck Dynasty.
Calories aside, what food could you eat and never get sick of?
Rolls from Texas Roadhouse.
What drives you to play the game of softball?
Seeing the impact I have on younger girls.
What have you learned most about yourself over the last year or two?
I have learned a lot about my character and how I want to be seen by others.
Who inspires you (athletically & non-athletically):
Athletically: Morgan Zerkle (she is why I wear #18)
Non-athletically: Sadie Robertson Huff
When you leave the sport, how do you want to be remembered and what will you do when you’re finished playing to help grow the game?
When my softball career ends, I want to be remembered by the joy I brought to the game. Whether it was my energy or intensity I played with.
I want to make softball fun to be part of going forward. I plan to someday speak to millions about life lessons softball has taught me, not only on the field but off the field as well.