RIVERDALE, N.Y. - Sonia Burke has been promoted to Associate Head Coach of the Manhattan College women's basketball program, Head Coach John Olenowski announced today. Burke is entering her eighth season at Manhattan, and her second on Olenowski's staff.
"We are so pleased that Sonia has been promoted to Associate Head Coach," Olenowski said. "She has been an extremely loyal and hard-working coach for many years at Manhattan. Sonia is both knowledgeable and pleasant to work with. The coaching staff and players are thrilled with this well-deserved announcement."
Burke is involved in all aspects of the Lady Jaspers' program, including serving as the recruiting coordinator, liaison for NCAA compliance, scouting and tape breakdown, and coordinating the team's strength and conditioning. She also handles the on-court instruction of the Lady Jaspers' post players and serves as the team's defensive coordinator. During Burke's time at Manhattan, six different Lady Jaspers' post players have earned a total of seven All-MAAC selections, including First Team All-MAAC choices Rosalee Mason (2003-04) and Caitlin Flood (2007-08). Last season, Lindsey Loutsenhizer was named Second Team All-MAAC.
"I am very privileged to be in a position where I can have a positive impact on the direction of our women's basketball program and the personal development of our student-athletes," Burke said. "Manhattan has been very good to me, and I will continue to add strength and success to the women's basketball program and college community. I am honored and appreciative of the confidence that Coach Olenowski and Manhattan has placed in me through this promotion."
Burke came to Manhattan in 2003-04 after one season at St. Francis (PA). While at St. Francis (PA), she helped the Red Flash win the 2002-03 Northeast Conference regular season and tournament crowns and earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Burke began her coaching career as an assistant at McToolen High School in Alabama, where the team went 14-2 during her only season in 2001-02. In 2000, Burke was the captain of the Barbadian National Team that captured the gold medal at the 15th Caribbean Basketball Championships. She graduated from Spring Hill College in 2001.
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