By Chris O’Grady

Over the past two years, many of the radio and television commercials for University of Louisville women’s basketball have featured junior guard Becky Burke.

Burke, who averaged 13.7 points per game last season as a sophomore, said she’s comfortable with her role with the media. But she contends she is not the sole voice of the program.

“I don’t really see myself as ‘the’ voice of the program,” said Burke. “I think all the returning girls are. I like to see myself as one of the voices, but not ‘the’ voice.”

But taking the media gigs and speaking on promos is not something Burke will shy away from.

“All that is cool,” said Burke. “It’s fun for me. I’m pretty comfortable with the media and with talking. And I just want to do whatever I can to get people to support us.”

Junior forward Monique Reid, who was the only other player who averaged in double digits for the Cardinals last season, said she supports Burke’s role as the team spokesperson.

“Everyone else is kind of scared to talk most of the time,” said Reid. “But Becky speaks really well. I think if we have anything to say as a team, she should say it.”

Other teammates agreed with Reid. Senior guard LaToya Johnson said she is happy to have Burke take care of the public speaking for the team.

“A lot of people know her and can recognize her on TV,” said Johnson. “She can speak well for us. She seems to always know what to say.”

Many of Burke’s efforts focus on gaining fan support, especially with the prospect of filling the much larger KFC Yum! Center this season. It’s a common struggle women’s teams face across the nation at every level: getting fans in the stands. But Burke said the women’s team is grateful for the support they have, rather than envious that it doesn’t match the support of the men’s team.

“For us to have the [8,000] or 9,000 fans we do get in the arena every night is pretty incredible,” said Burke. “To even have the possibility to get up to 10-12,000 is something you really only see at places like UConn or Tennessee.”

U of L’s rise to the top of women’s college basketball can be traced back to the team’s 2009 trip to the Final Four, under All-American Angel McCoughtry. McCoughtry’s jersey will be retired to the rafters at the Yum! Center on Nov 12, during the team’s game against the University of Tennessee. Burke was a freshman on that team and would often stay after practice to shoot with McCoughtry.

“Angel taught me the work ethic I bring into the game today – that and a passion for the game,” said Burke. “She was determined to let nothing beat her.”

After rising so high in the 2008-2009 season, the team struggled last year, suffering the losses of McCoughtry and fellow senior Candyce Bingham. The team finished the season 14-18, with a loss to Bradley University in the Women’s Basketball Invitational. The fall was a sobering experience for Burke and the other players who were around when McCoughtry played.

“It was definitely a reality check,” said Burke. “It was like ‘OK, this is real life.’ It showed us we [have to] change. We’ve got to work harder this offseason. Nothing’s going to be handed to us.”

Known since high school as a top shooter, Burke has earned the admiration of her teammates.

“She is very dependable,” said Johnson. “Becky is one person I know I can count on for sure, with anything.”

Even soft-spoken senior center Keshia Hines noted attributes of solid leadership in Burke.

“I think a lot of people look up to her, especially in this program,” said Hines. “She is a very friendly girl. She is close with everyone.”

The other half of the Cards’ one-two scoring punch this season – Reid – offered perhaps the best insight on Burke’s personality and lack of shyness.

“She’s crazy,” said Reid. “I mean, she can be laid back and she definitely is a nice girl…But she’s crazy. She’s Becky.”