AOTW: Multi-sport standout Julia Burgbacher has lofty goals

Ed. Note: This week’s Tippecanoe girls Athlete of the Week is Julia Burgbacher, a key member of the girls soccer team last year as a freshman and was part of a successful Tipp track season.

Every freshman who steps onto the field as a varsity player is immediately challenged by the faster and more physical game than during their middle school days. Tippecanoe sophomore Julia Burgbacher not only experienced the change in the game, but she also raised her level of play to contribute right away as a member of the Red Devils soccer team and a huge part of the success of the girls track team.

“I quickly found out that the level of competition every day was very high, and I would always need to bring my best whenever I stepped out on the soccer field or track,” Burgbacher said. “This level of competition definitely pushed me to become a better athlete. Both my soccer and track teammates were inspiring and encouraged me to work even harder.”

“Being a freshman on the varsity team put me under a lot of pressure, but I always reminded myself that I was there for a reason. The competition definitely raised the level of my play and running.”

But for Burgbacher, she knew all about the tradition of the girls soccer program and how consistent it has been. Now, it is about raising the level of play to take the program to another level.

“Starting with soccer, the tradition at Tipp is very strong and that is expected to continue this year,” she said. It's vitally important for everyone to buy in and do their part to be successful as a team. Everyone is working hard, but what I think is going to separate us from everyone else is the consistency we have.”

“We are working out five days a week and the attendance has been great so far. I will do whatever my team needs from me for us to be successful. I hope to contribute more offensively, but more importantly, play at a high level of consistency so my teammates and coaches can always count on me. I want to be more aggressive and play with great passion.”

Not only did she shine on the soccer field as a freshman, she also saw a lot of success on the track this past spring, and she knows this group has what it takes to go further in the tournament.

“As the season progressed, my comfort level did increase,” Burgbacher said. “After the first couple of meets, I knew I belonged and competed with some of the best runners in the state. We have quite a few girls coming back for next year's team and we are excited for the season.”

“On a personal level, I am running this summer for TruSpeed Athletics out of Miamisburg, working on my running form and to increase my speed. It's been a lot of fun and I have met some new people that I will be competing against next spring. I think this will go a long way in helping me accomplish some of my personal goals of being placed even higher in the sprints and go to state with our 4 x 100 team.”

She will be the first to tell you, summertime is when athletes go from good to great, and she has using her summer to do just that.

“Throughout summer I have been going to high school soccer training five days a week, as well as my summer track team,” she said. “I lift a few times a week as well to help build my strength. I played soccer during the spring with my club team, FC United.”

“This summer I have been focused on increasing my speed and strength, along with improving my footwork and overall play for soccer. I've had a bad injury two years ago and want to continue to build my strength up to allow me to compete with the best of the best.”

As she now heads into her second season with the Red Devils, Burgbacher has some goals in mind for an even better sophomore year which starts with a league title and just being a better leader.