BCC coach nominated for YMCA award

Staff Report

Ashlyn Burke, head women’s basketball coach and assistant athletics director for Brunswick Community College, has been nominated for a YWCA Women of Achievement Award.
Women of Achievement nominees have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities, as well as excellence, accomplishments and commitment in their careers, schools and communities. They are role models and mentors. The adult nominees reside in Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties and have been nominated in one of nine categories: arts, business, communications, education, environmental, health and wellness, public service, volunteer and the Rachel Freeman Unsung Hero Award.
After college, Burke became a teacher’s assistant at a middle school and became involved with every aspect of the school. She assisted with the women’s basketball team, supervised after school activities and assisted with Special Olympics. She was then hired as the special events coordinator for Brunswick Community College and after several months was asked to assume the role of the head women’s basketball coach and assistant athletics director.  
Burke has made a difference in the lives of the young women in the program for the last three years. She requires players to attend mandatory study hall and maintains contact with their professors. She works hard to provide opportunities for them that will positively impact their success as young women. She insists they participate in community activities with her. She has provided Dress for Success programs for them as they prepare for their careers.  
Burke ensures their emotional, financial and academic needs are met. As a result, more than 90 percent have graduated and moved on to four-year institutions. Among several volunteer efforts, Burke started the youth program STARS (Striving to Achieve Results).
The Women of Achievement Awards begins at 6 p.m. May 10 at the Hilton Wilmington Riverside. Tickets can be purchased at the YWCA, 2815 South College Road, or at wilmingtontickets.com.  
The YWCA Lower Cape Fear is a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1914 as a member of the national YWCA, an autonomous women’s movement. It is committed to self-determined social change for women of all racial, ethnic and economic groups.