SLU's Burke Chosen in Second Round of WUSA Draft

Meghann Burke

ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis University senior goalkeeper Meghann Burke (St. Louis, Mo./Mehlville) was selected in the second round of the WUSA Draft by the Carolina Courage this afternoon. As the 16th overall draft pick and the second goalkeeper chosen, Burke became the first women's soccer player drafted into the professional ranks in SLU's history.

Burke completed her four-year career at SLU with an All-America season in 2002. Twice named Conference USA's Defensive Player of the Year in her four years, she holds every goalkeeping record in school history. Burke led C-USA with a school-record 12 shutouts while toting a 0.73 goals against average, which ranked among the nation's top 25. She tied her own school record with 14 victories this season.

Rock steady throughout her career, Burke amassed 38 shutouts among her 48 victories. Her 12 shutouts in 2002 surpassed her own school record of 10, which she accomplished in 1999 and again in 2000. Burke played every minute of every game the team played, accumulating 7,603 minutes in goal and boasting an 0.89 goals against average. In addition to earning All-America honors from the NSCAA this season, she also was named Scholar All-American by the same organization.

Burke joins the Carolina Courage, which won the WUSA Championship last season after finishing last in the league in 2001. The team is based in Cary, N.C., just outside of Raleigh, and opens the 2003 campaign on Apr. 5 against the Washington Freedom. Optional training camp begins on Feb. 15, and mandatory camp opens on Mar. 1. The Courage also selected Marquette's Kate Gordon, a three-time All-american and four-time All-Conference USA performer.