University of Georgia Athletics
Georgia Volleyball Salutes Its 2007 Seniors
November 08, 2007 | Volleyball
With their collegiate volleyball careers coming to a close, it is only appropriate to honor these remarkable student athletes who have given an immense amount of time and talent to Georgia’s volleyball program.
BROOKE BURLINGAME
Brooke Burlingame has been a vital part of the Bulldog team for the past four years. A native of New Orleans, Burlingame has recorded a career total of 1,155 digs. In 2006, she had 448 digs, which ranks as the fifth most in a single season by a Bulldog.
After coming on a visit to the University of Georgia, Burlingame immediately fell in love with the academics, athletics and college atmosphere. The volleyball program solidified Brooke’s decision to make Georgia her home.
“My favorite part of being a Georgia Bulldog is meeting a ton of new girls and getting to travel all across the county,” says Burlingame. “The girls have made it what it is. I love being with them everyday and practicing.”
Burlingame will miss several aspects of being a Bulldog.
“I’ll miss the sport,” says Burlingame. “I love volleyball. I’ve been playing since I was seven, and I think it’s going to be strange when it’s all over. I’ll miss coming out every day and practicing, and I’ll miss my teammates.”
Burlingame offers the following advice for her teammates: “Keep after it everyday in practice,” she says. “You can never stop improving.”
After she graduates in the fall of 2008, Burlingame plans to get a job in finance or corporate finance.
RENEE JOHNSON
Renee Johnson transferred to the University of Georgia her junior year looking for opportunity at a big Division I school. After switching to the libero position her senior year, Johnson leads the Bulldogs in digs for the 2007 season.
Johnson’s favorite part of being a Bulldog is being on the team and supporting athletes of other sports.
“I’m going to miss my team,” says Johnson. “We are around each other 24/7, and I have so much fun with them. They’re just like family.”
The highlight of Johnson’s career at Georgia was beating Alabama at home this season.
“Everything clicked and we had control over the whole match,” says Johnson. “It was so fun being a part of that.”
For girls considering a collegiate volleyball career at Georgia, Johnson says, “This program has done a 360, and if we don’t go to the tournament this year we will definitely go next year,” she says. “It’s an awesome opportunity for them.”
Johnson plans on attending graduate school either at Georgia or in Texas, her home state, to get her nutrition degree.
ALEXIS MORGAN
Alexis Morgan is an outside hitter from Champaign, Ill. She came to Georgia because she wanted to be in the south and liked Georgia’s atmosphere. Her favorite part about playing volleyball for Georgia was the experience as a student athlete.
“I think as an athlete you have a different experience than other people, and you get to meet all kinds of people from everywhere,” says Morgan. “The support you get from other teams is really fun. You get to see a different side of college and travel a lot. I like that.”
Like her senior teammates, Morgan will miss being with the girls on the volleyball team.
“I think when you first get here, you don’t know a lot of people so you bond immediately with your team” says Morgan. “For our team specifically, we have a really good chemistry with all the girls. It’s not separated by upperclassman and freshman. We all really get along and hang out when we get a chance to.”
Morgan recognizes the importance of being a student athlete and has the following advice for her Georgia teammates.
“Stay on track and keep focused on all aspects of life” she says. “You’re a student athlete, so make sure you keep your grades right. Stay focused with that because after you’re done, you still have to have a future.”
The things Morgan will most about being a Georgia Bulldog are the college life, game days and traveling with the team. Morgan is currently applying to graduate school for the sports management program.
CHELSEA YOUNG
Chelsea Young’s favorite part of being a Georgia bulldog is the college atmosphere and school spirit. Young, a setter from Fountain Valley, Calif., came to Georgia after a visit where everything “clicked.” Young will especially miss her teammates when she leaves.
“No matter what it’s just a close group and basically like your family,” says Young. “You’re with them all the time.”
Young’s favorite volleyball moment at Georgia was her freshman year when the Bulldogs lost to Florida in five games at the SEC tournament.
“It was the most intense and fun game I’ve ever been a part of,” says Young.
To girls who want to play volleyball at a higher level, Young has the following to say.
“I played almost every sport possible, but volleyball is a sport where you get to travel with your team all the time,” says Young. “There are just so many opportunities and it’s a great way for girls to get involved in athletics.”
Young also offers this advice to her teammates at Georgia.
“Give it all you have because this is a once and a lifetime experience,” she says. “We have a really special opportunity to be here and be an athlete at a school like this.”
When she graduates, Young plans to get a job either in California or Atlanta.
