It’s not too often a high school athlete commits to a Division 1 school, and it’s far less often that the athlete commits in their junior year. However, McDaniel’s very own Lily Mae Buerkle has done just that.
“I am excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic career and play division 1 volleyball at the University of Washington!” Buerkle said in an Instagram post on Jun. 20.
The decision came naturally to Buerkle. Washington had been high on her list of potential schools, and when she went on a tour, the decision was solidified.
“After getting to fully meet and visit the staff and campus, I immediately knew it would be home for me,” Buerkle said. “Before anything else, I am also a student, and I was looking for a place where I can push myself academically, as well as athletically.”
Buerkle has played as a setter for the Mountain Lions varsity volleyball team for two full seasons, leading her team to state in her sophomore year. Entering her junior year, Buerkle is aiming to keep the ball rolling.
“I’m looking forward to continuing the program’s success from last season, and even possibly build on it as the season goes on,” Buerkle said. “We have the opportunity to play some teams that have been big rivals for us in the past, and I am hoping to challenge them again this year.”
Junior Clara Raan has been Buerkle’s teammate since their freshman year. Raan has high praise for Buerkle and cannot imagine the team without her.
“Lily Mae’s impact on our team is indescribable. Lily Mae is one of the most kind, humble, down to earth, hilarious, beautiful people I have ever met. Every moment she steps on to the court, you can feel her presence,” Raan said.
As her teammate, Raan has had the opportunity to observe Buerkle’s growth as a player first hand.
“She has been incredible at volleyball ever since I met her, but I have gotten to watch her become more confident every day,” Raan said. “Lily Mae has really found her voice on and off the court.”
Junior Eliana Moran has played with Buerkle for three years. Moran contributes much of her own personal growth, as well as the team’s growth, to Buerkle’s uplifting spirit.
“She’s just overwhelmingly positive,” Moran said. “On and off the court, she never stops helping people.”
Buerkle attributes her success to her positivity as well as her perseverance. Buerkle is keen on sharing advice for underclassmen aiming to get to her position.
“My biggest piece of advice I have is: don’t give up. It’s very cliche, obviously, but if I went back, even six months, a year ago, I would never in a million years have ever thought I would be in this position,” Buerkle said. “It’s taken a lot of work, and the road won’t be easy. Just know you have so many people rooting for you, and if you stick with it, you can do anything.”
Buerkle still has a lot ahead of her. As she is only a junior, she still has two seasons left to conquer. Her previous successful runs as captain have demonstrated strong leadership and decision making skills. If anything is clear, it’s that said skills will translate nicely to the next level.
