St. Andrews University

St. Andrews University Athletics
1700 Dogwood Mile Laurinburg, NC 28352

NAIA North Carolina Southeast

Private Very Small Competitive team

I'm interested in this program!

Coaches

Email coach

Elizabeth Burris

Elizabeth Burris is entering her 13th season as the head coach of the St. Andrews University softball program. Burris also serves as Associate Athletic Director, Senior Woman Administrator, and NAIA Compliance Coordinator.

Under Burris' leadership, the Knights enjoyed a steady climb up the ranks, moving from last place in the conference to two straight years finishing in the top half of the annual tournament until finishing in 3rd place in the AAC in 2014. Burris was also named Conference Coach of the Year in 2014 for her team's 9-9 AAC record, a five win improvement over 2013.

Burris holds her squad to their whole title of "student-athletes". Burris even noted that "Our players are student-athletes, and that means academics come first." Through Coach Burris' encouragement and the team's hard work and dedication scholastically, the Lady Knights have raised the team GPA by a full point from what it was before Burris took over the program.

As the Associate Athletic Director, Burris has been appointed as the NAIA Compliance Coordinator for Knights Athletics. In addition to her duties on the diamond, Burris ensures that the SAU Athletic Staff is following all NAIA Policies and that all athletes are eligible for NAIA play. Burris' time at St. Andrews has also earned her the privilege of being named the Senior Woman Administrator for the Athletic Department.

Burris, being a woman of the world, came to SAU from Austria, where she coached the National Austrian Softball team to a 25-0 record.

Before making the trip to Europe, Burris' NCAA experience began in a three year stint as the assistant coach for Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). She developed and managed the educational program of the softball team, assisted with recruiting, served as catcher and outfield coach, and performed first-base coaching duties. While coaching with the Lady Eagles, Burris earned a Masters of Education in School Counseling at FGCU. The NFCA and American School Counseling Association member has also garnered experience in administrative and counseling roles.

Burris began her post-undergrad coaching career as head softball coach of the Central Cabarrus High School (Harrisburg, NC) softball junior-varsity team and assistant coach of the school's varsity team. Coach Burris led the Lady Vikings to a 14-0 season at Cabarrus before heading to Florida.

Elizabeth Burris graduated Cum Laude from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a B.A. in Psychology and an overall GPA of 3.7. She was also honored as a Scholar Athlete with the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) and was named Conference USA Scholar Athlete at her alma mater, where she lettered four years with the 49ers softball team.

Burris and her two dogs and twin boys, currently reside in Laurinburg, NC.