Travis Taylor | Lariat Photo Editor
Sports Writer
Known for her “West Coast Seattle Swagger,” good heart and strong work ethic, freshman defender Lindsay Burns is putting her mark on Baylor soccer.
As the season progresses, Burns has earned more and more playing time. As a freshman, Burns has logged 1,080 minutes on the pitch this season for the Bears. Burns has scored two goals, which is rare for a defender, including one that almost spurred a comeback against West Virginia.
“Lindsay’s done great,” Baylor co-head coach Marci Jobson said. “Lindsay is going to be a heck of a player for this program. You always know what you’re going to get from her. You always know she’s going to work extremely hard and give everything she has.”
Burns was a tri-sport athlete, and excelled in basketball, track and soccer at West Valley High School in Yakima, Wash. In 2012, she was captain of her high school basketball team and led the squad in steals. In track, Burns made state in four events in 2010-2011 and was long jump state champion in 2013. Her involvement in all of these sports has allowed her to become a stronger athlete, which has translated to her ability to play different positions on the field.
“She’s really athletic and has adapted well into the system quickly,” Jobson said. “We’ve put her in the midfield and that’s not really her position, but she’s adjusted to it quite well.”
When Burns had to pick a sport to pursue in college, it wasn’t much of a choice because of the passion she has always had for soccer. Being part of a team is important, so it is not a surprise that playing alongside her teammates has been her favorite aspect of Baylor soccer.
“Definitely the team, everyone has become one of my best friends,” Burns said. “We all spend so much time together and it’s the nicest team I’ve ever been on by far.”
This season hasn’t been easy for Baylor soccer after the wild success of last season’s Big 12 Championship, but Burns credits her teammates on making the difficult moments better. The players treat each other like family, which is why Burns says it’s easy for players to encourage each other. Burns has become a reliable player as she continues to improve and perform. Her work ethic coupled with her ability has given Baylor stability going forward.
“I would say she’s one of my three most consistent players on my team and for a freshman that’s a pretty big thing to say,” Jobson said.
This has been a period of growth for Burns as she continues to master the system.
Burns has gained mental toughness throughout the year and strives to learn from her mistakes quickly. Burns has given 100 percent, earning the respect of her teammates.
“She’s awesome and she fights really hard in practice and in the games,” senior midfielder Kat Ludlow said. “She always wants to learn more, and that’s what I like about her. She has this curiosity of wanting to better herself in everything.”
Off the field, Burns enjoys reading, but also loves outdoor activities like hiking, which she would do often at home in Washington State. While she misses the mountains and scenery of home, she is enjoying her time in Texas.
With three more years ahead of her, Burns hopes to grow into a better teammate and player. The more she improves, the better she can help the team, and that can lead to achieving team goals. Burns has gained the respect of her teammates because of her play, but it’s her personality that stands out the most.
Burns’ sense of humor doesn’t go unnoticed among her teammates.
“She’s goofy,” Ludlow said. “She’s friendly, witty, funny and a very hard worker.”
