Waukegan senior Ava Burke is not afraid of change.
Since February 2022, Burke transferred from Carmel to her hometown school; moved from the infield to the outfield; became a varsity starter for the first time; committed to play softball at Ave Maria in Florida; and took on a leadership role for the Bulldogs.
“Sometimes it just comes to me about everything that has happened in the last year or so,” she said. “The past 12-plus months has been insane, a roller coaster with so many ups and downs. Being able to come back to Waukegan has been so amazing. I’ve really enjoyed the school. Now having a leadership role this year is something new to me. I’m excited about that.
“I’ve had a huge environment shift, got through it and had great support on both ends, from my Carmel and Waukegan friends and teachers. It made my transfer smooth.”
Burke quickly made a positive impression in her first season in a Waukegan uniform, adding another quality bat to coach Amy Ramsey’s already strong lineup and playing lockdown defense in center field. She hit .292 with a home run, 13 RBIs, 20 runs and 16 steals in 16 attempts as the Bulldogs won their first regional title since 1994. She also pitched a little, striking out 15 batters in 15 innings.
Perhaps Burke’s first day at Waukegan was a hint of things to come.
“The semester had already started at Waukegan, and I had my gym period,” Burke recalled. “I walked into the locker room, and coach Ramsey’s office was across the locker room. I walked in, and she was wearing a Waukegan softball (shirt). I asked her, ‘Are you the softball coach?’ She asked, ‘Do you play softball?’ I remember her face lit up, and then we started talking about softball and the position I played.
“We bonded quickly. I was so shocked. I could tell from the beginning coach Ramsey was a great coach. She was so welcoming. It helped ease my transfer. I was already excited about transferring and being back in my hometown.”
Ramsey, a former Waukegan player, had joked with her assistants from time to time about the lack of transfers in the program. She got her wish with Burke’s arrival last season.
“Ava came right into my office asking about P.E. stuff, then started looking around and saw all the softball stuff,” Ramsey said. “I remember telling my assistant that we finally got a transfer.”
Waukegan finally experienced postseason success too. The Bulldogs, who were seeded 10th in the Class 4A Glenbrook North Sectional last season, beat seventh-seeded Mundelein and second-seeded Hersey to win the New Trier Regional.
“It was the most exciting thing for me to be a part of Waukegan’s team last year,” Burke said. “We built a strong culture and were a really good softball team. I was nervous having to fill a big role, but also excited for the challenge to help my team and my town. It was amazing to get our first regional plaque in almost 30 years.”
Ramsey said the 4-foot-11 Burke’s skills — hitting, fielding, pitching and base running — were factors but that her friendly and team-oriented personality were just as important.
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“She came in and fit perfectly,” Ramsey said. “She’s a golden retriever girl. She’s one of the most positive human beings I’ve met in my life. She’s constantly moving. She’s always got a smile on her face and is a wonderful teammate. She came in and brought a positive attitude.
“On top of all that, she’s a good ballplayer. She’s a slapper and is fast. She understands situations. She’s the total package.”
Burke doesn’t mind the comparison.
“I became known as a golden retriever in my first month on the team,” Burke said with a laugh. “I think it’s adorable.”
But Ramsey said she expects Burke to add some bite as a leader for a young and inexperienced team. The Bulldogs return just four starters.
“She does have that grit, but it can be hard to tell,” Ramsey said. “She never will put a stink face on.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
