STM volleyball coach Jessica Burke finalist for national coach of year honors

by: William Weathers // GeauxPreps.com Contributor

St. Thomas More volleyball coach Jessica Burke didn’t want to forget the origin of her coaching journey.

After serving as an assistant at Troy, where she obtained her master’s, Burke embarked on what’s evolved into a 14-year tenure at St. Thomas More that’s required additional room in the school’s trophy case to fit the nine state championships the Cougars have won – including three straight.

Two years ago Burke was named the National Federation High School’s volleyball coach of the year, setting the stage for a return to the national stage this week in Bismark, N.D. The native of Madison, WI. was honored at the National High School Athletic Coaches Association’s banquet as one of eight finalists for the organization’s coach of the year.  

“There were times I was there with the other finalists that are storied coaches,” Burke said. “Some have coached for 30-35 years, a bunch of hall of famers and some were previous national coaches of the year for AVCA and NFHS. For me to be included in that group, there were times wondering, ‘what am I doing here’? There were moments where I felt just humble to be there. I was among great company and had great dialogue with the coaches that were there. It was just a very rewarding experience.”

Burke guided STM to a 34-5 record and its third straight Division II state championship, defeating arch-rival Teurlings Catholic, 3-1 at the Cajundome in Lafayette.

It was the school’s ninth state title which have all come under Burke since her arrival. The Cougars were the state’s third-ranked team behind Dominican and Archbishop Hannan by MaxPreps.

“STM’s a special place that I give recognition to my players and parents,” Burke said. “I wouldn’t be fortunate to be where I am in my career without the dedication, heart, maturity and hard work of the student athletes I’ve been blessed to work with. They are truly at the heart of my success. The parents have been amazing, too.

“Once upon a time, I was a young coach who had never been a head coach before,” Burke said, “and I was fortunate to have parents who supported and trusted me, and allowed my early imperfections so that I could continue to grow and be better each season.”

Because of Burke’s leadership and guidance, STM’s become a staple in the state, and has garnered national plaudits in two of the last three years. She’s received the NFHS Coach of the Year honor and this year’s finalist honor from the NHSACA.

“It’s definitely the next level and a little bit surreal because you live in your own little bubble, and you think about how many coaches are involved, and how many coaches are capable of winning this award,” Burke said. “It’s pretty mind-boggling to be boosted to the next level of national recognition.”

STM’s won 81.6% (467-105) of its games under Burke who estimated 10-20 of her players have gone on to play Division I volleyball. The Cougars have also twice been state runner-up.

Burke’s an eight-time winner of the Louisiana Volleyball Coach of the Year and has also been the head coach in the LHSCA High School All-Star game.

“There’s an awesome culture of excellence at STM,” Burke said. “I was coming from the college ranks, and thought we could run this like a mini-college program and that’s kind of how we’ve done it since then. We picked up the pace of the offense, we do things a little bit differently than what they had done in the past and it’s really paid off.

“STM’s a special place and I get to work with some really awesome coaches, great people and administrators that are really supportive,” Burke said. “It was the perfect fit for me. It’s like lightning striking in a bottle. It’s rare and I’m very fortunate I found the right fit for myself.”