Rachel Burke is entering her second year as an assistant coach for the Madison College women's volleyball team. She returns after being hired in August 2020 and helping for one Covid-altered season.
Burke has been coaching volleyball for the past 11 years, with stints at Capital Volleyball Academy, 608 Juniors Volleyball Club, Madtown Volleyball Club, and Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Vital Volleyball Club.
Burke was a standout collegiate player at NCAA Division II St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. As a freshman, she was named the team's Offensive Player of the Year after leading the team in kills per set at 2.83. After posting the team's top kill percentage the following season, Burke took a year off before returning to the program for her season season in 2015. The SCSU Most Valuable Player posted 2.99 kills/set, 3.84 digs/set, and a total of 33 blocks as an outside hitter. Her production earned a spot on the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) All-Tournament Team, while also adding an All-Academic NSICÂ distinction to her list of awards. Burke departed St. Cloud State with her name listed for the fourth most kills in a single season (423), third-highest number of aces in a match (8), and as a member of the SCSUÂ 2010's All-Decade Team. She graduated in 2016 with a degree in finance.
Burke was a two-sport athlete during her prep days at Verona High School, participating in volleyball and track & field. As a senior she guided the Wildcats to 42 consecutive wins and a trip to the WIAA Division 1 State Tournament, where they lost in the quarterfinals. A three-time All-Big Eight Conference First Team selection, Burke was tops on her team in blocks and kill percentage as a junior and senior. In track & field, she competed in the high jump.
Burke currently resides in her hometown of Madison, Wisconsin. When shes away from the volleyball court, she enjoys yoga, rock climbing, reading, and playing board games.
