U-M Student-Athlete Spotlight: Gabby Burns
12/16/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
Following the signing of U-M's third recruiting class, all nine members are being featured in a student-athlete spotlight, breaking down each future Wolverine, on and off the field.
After earning her first varsity letter during the 2014 season, Gabby Burns will play her final season at Notre Dame Preparatory (Towson, Maryland) this spring.
As a junior, she helped NDP advance to the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Conference semifinals, where they came up just short, 12-10, against Roland Park.
As a sophomore (2013) and freshman (2012) Burns was an integral member of the junior varsity team at Notre Dame Prep.
Burns competes for North Eastern Maryland Select club team, where she led the team with 42 goals during the summer of 2014. In addition to lacrosse, Burns also played four years of soccer at ND Prep, and was named to the All-State All-Star second team and IAAM A Conference All-Star team as a senior.
Collegiate athletics runs in the Burns family, as her father Joe Burns played varsity lacrosse for four years at UMBC.
Off the field, Burns is a member of the National Art Honor Society and is an Academic Honor Roll student.
ACCORDING TO GABBY
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Gabby Burns Attack Towson, Md. Notre Dame Preparatory |
What attracted you to the University of Michigan?
"Coming from a high school built on tradition, I felt at home at Michigan, which is enriched with traditions. The school spirit in all the residents excited me. Being surrounded by a 100,000 fans in the Big House on game day was an experience I could get nowhere else. The passion in wearing the Block M at Michigan truly drives the academic and athletic excellence. Michigan gives me the opportunity to be a Big Ten athlete as well as a successful student."
What are your thoughts about continuing to help Michigan build its women's lacrosse program?
"It is a privilege and honor to be able to play at the University of Michigan. Although there may be challenges, as the women's lacrosse program is relatively new, hard work and dedication from each player can help the team succeed. A quote that comes to mind is 'Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn't work hard.' As a part of Team Three, I look forward to representing the block M to the best of my ability and leaving behind a legacy."
What do you like about Michigan/Ann Arbor from what you've seen so far?
"From what I've seen and experienced so far I love the town of Ann Arbor. I love how big the campus is, yet every street you turn on is filled with Maize and Blue. Also I loved how the town shuts down on game day and takes part in the festivities. It seems impossible to ever get bored while in Ann Arbor."
What is your favorite lacrosse moment of all-time?
"My favorite and most recent lacrosse moment was beating the SkyWalkers 2015 team. Since my first year on NEMS lacrosse club there has been a rivalry with SkyWalkers. Over the years, SkyWalkers had continually beaten my team. In our final game against them this past summer, my team believed we could win if we played together. With our team motto 'One goal, one team' we succeeded in beating SkyWalkers."
How did you first get involved in lacrosse?
"Being that my dad was a collegiate lacrosse player, he dreamed of sharing his passion for the game with his three daughters. At five years old he became my first lacrosse coach. I fell in love with the game and have continued playing since."
Do you have any talents or hobbies that you're willing to share? If so, please explain.
"During the winter, I love to ski/snowboard at a local ski lodge called Roundtop."
Who is your role model, and why?
"My role models are both of my parents. They are my biggest supporters on and off the field. My mom has inspired me with her strength. It is inevitable that life will present obstacles but it's how you choose to respond it that is important. My mom has demonstrated to me that no matter how difficult things become, you simply never give up. My dad is my biggest motivator. He consistently reminds me to always keep a positive mindset and to keep moving forward. Without my parents' support, I would not be where I am today."
What do you enjoy doing when you're not playing lacrosse?
"When I am not on the lacrosse field, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends."
Favorite food ... Spaghetti Pizza
Favorite band/artist ... Florida Georgia Line
Favorite movie ... The Proposal
Favorite TV show ... One Tree Hill and Gossip Girl
Favorite book ... My Sister's Keeper
Favorite subject/class taken ... Math
Favorite professional athlete ... Mia Hamm
Favorite place to visit/vacation ... Bethany Beach
Favorite sport besides lacrosse ... Soccer
Favorite holiday ... Thanksgiving
