N.C. State’s women’s basketball team is set to kick off its first season under new head coach Wes Moore on Friday against St. Bonaventure. One of the team’s key athletes is senior forward Kody Burke, the team’s highest scorer from last season. Burke’s achievements on and off the court have earned her two consecutive Academic All-American honors.
Technician: With the team entering its first season under Coach Moore, how have you and the rest of the team handled the transition from last year’s regime?
Burke: “The transition has been tough at first because it’s like we’re all freshmen with a whole new system, but I think that, slowly but surely, we’re getting adjusted to it. We’re pretty excited, and we trust the system to help us win.”
Q: Jumping back to when you were a senior in high school, what schools reached out to you to play for them, and what made you choose to come to N.C. State?
A: “My top three schools were N.C. State, the University of Colorado and Arizona State. What made me choose N.C. State was the tradition. [Former women’s basketball head coach] Kelly Harper was a big part of the decision, but the family atmosphere and the support for women’s basketball N.C. State had [influenced me as well].”
Q: How was playing for Coach Harper for the first three years, and what differences have you noticed in coach Moore’s style?
A: “I’d say it was about the same. Coach Kelly and Coach Moore ran the same offensive system, so the same chemistry was there. However, I do feel we are more disciplined now, and we are more trusting in the system. Kelly was a little bit more lenient on offense whereas with coach Moore, it’s that you do what he says or you’re coming out, so we’re a lot more disciplined in that manner.”
Q: You’ve been named as an Academic All-American for two years in a row. How well have you been able to maintain a balance between your academic schedule and life as a student-athlete?
A: “I would love to say I have it down pat, but every year is a learning process. Every year, classes are getting more difficult, and the pressure of playing basketball in the ACC picks up every year I gain more experience. I just have to trust my process and stay organized to stay successful in both areas.”
Q: Friday marks the start of your final season as a member of the Wolfpack. Do you feel like there’s any anticipation for the finality of your collegiate career?
A: “I do, but at the same time, I try to cherish every moment. I know if we all buy into Coach Moore’s system, things will happen for us, and we could potentially make the NCAA tournament, but I’m taking everything one game at a time and playing to the best to my ability.”
Q: Finally, what do you foresee for your future when your time at N.C. State has come and gone?
A: “I just want to be a proud alumnae being so active in the women’s basketball program coming out to games and everything. N.C. State is dear to my heart, and any way I can stay connected to the university would be awesome.”
