Burns Returns
(FREDERICTON, NB) Kristen Burns says her education has always come first. And, having decided to pursue a master’s degree in Civil Engineering, that remains true. But that decision also means that Burns will return to the REDS women’s volleyball team for another season.
After completing her undergraduate studies earlier this year, Burns has decided to continue her education and play her fifth and final season of U SPORTS eligibility.
“The lack of a season was disappointing last year,” said Burns. “But my academics ultimately came first in my decision to return. No one helped me or pushed me to make my decision, but both my friends and family were very supportive of me during the whole process.”
“Having Kristen return to our team for her fifth year of eligibility is a major plus for our young squad,” said REDS head coach Richard Schick. “Someone of her experience, work-load and success at the U SPORTS level is something that our team will look to learn from and lean on this upcoming season.”
Burns, who plays the right side and middle, has been a key contributor to the REDS growth over the past five years and four seasons.
She was named the Atlantic University Sport Rookie of the Year in 2016-17 and a member of that season’s AUS All-Rookie Team. In 2019-20, Burns was named a 2nd Team AUS All-Star.
Having appeared in 78 regular season matches over four seasons, Burns has tallied 487 kills, 438 digs and 200 blocks.
She served as team captain through the pandemic-cancelled 2020-21 season, one in which the REDS practiced relentlessly before playing just two exhibition matches, in March, against cross-campus rival St. Thomas University.
“Once Coach Schick was hired and we had opportunities to chat, I really enjoyed listening to him talk about his coaching philosophies and style, and it got me excited to compete again,” she said.
While Burns says the decision to return was hers alone, and based on continuing her education, Schick says one of his first priorities, after being hired, was to inquire about her plans.
“While I haven’t coached Kristen before, it wasn't difficult to learn of the impact she's had on the REDS program by speaking with both past and current players and coaches,” he said. “Kristen is someone who is eager to continue the success that she’s played a major role in during her time at UNB.”
“I remember when she called me to tell me she was returning. For me, it was like landing another top recruit. I was ecstatic. Kristen is someone who will be looked upon to do many things for us,” said Schick.
Focused on her studies, Burns is hoping her final season in a REDS uniform can be a memorable one.
“This season, I hope to make it to the AUS finals again, and help lead the team to winning that AUS banner.”
Burns and her REDS teammates are scheduled to open their 2021-22 AUS regular season on the road, against Dalhousie, on October 30th. Their home opener is scheduled for Friday, November 5th, at 7:00pm, against the Memorial Sea-Hawks, at the Richard J. Currie Center.
PHOTO: File - James West/for UNB Athletics