Fresno State Athletics
Taking Care of Business
10/19/2000 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 19, 2000
FRESNO, Calif. - When sophomore outside hitter Christy Burnett came to Fresno State in 1998 she didn't want to buy into the notion that freshmen sit the bench. So, through hard work and determination she defied the odds and played in every match but four for the NCAA Tournament bound Bulldogs.
"I was very intimidated when I first began playing at this level but I didn't buy into the idea that because I was a freshman I wouldn't play," Burnett said. "I wanted to make sure I worked my way into being a contributing member to the team."
After a promising freshman year she took last season off to take care of personal matters and has come back with a new outlook.
"Taking last season off was a tough decision and I'm extremely thankful that I was given the opportunity to come back," Burnett said. "I have found a new love for the game after realizing how much I missed the game last fall. Being able to a member of the team and be a contributor to this program has been an honor.
Coming back from a season off Burnett did not know what to expect but she wasted no time getting back into the game. She is currently ranks in the top three for the in digs and kills and, earlier in the year, earned a spot on the Fresno State Invitational all-tournament team.
However, this season she sees her role on the team as well as her goal as being a consistent player. She brings needed experience to a young team and looks to lead through example.
"We have a very talented and very hard-working team," Burnett said. "Our team is very supportive of each other and we have bonded very well together. We just need to bring it all together every match."
In a sport that grabbed her heart, things almost worked out differently for the Southern California native. She also has played soccer since early childhood and once dreamed of playing soccer in college until her junior year of high school. It was then that she realized she was more interested and talented in volleyball.
This is not much of a surprise when looking at her family tree. Her parents both played collegiate volleyball at Pierce Junior College and the USVBA and her mother continued to play at CS Northridge. Even with the strong volleyball influence of her family Burnett did not begin playing volleyball until eighth grade.
With her comeback season almost behind her Burnett still appreciates the chance she has been given. She thinks of it every time she steps out on the court.
