Bruins sign standout setter from Texas, Riley Burcham

The Bellevue University volleyball program under the direction of head coach Trish Siedlik announced today the signing of 5-9 setter Riley Burcham (Georgetown, Texas/Gateway College Prep) to a letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic careers at BU beginning in the fall of 2019.

Burcham, the daughter of Ty and Leslie Burcham, prepped at Gateway College Prep under coach Rory Tyson. She earned first team all-district honors in 2017 and led her team in assists (563) and aces (99) her senior season. 

A team captain, Burcham helped her team win the school's first-ever bi-district match in school history in 2018.  

"Riley found us and reached out to inquire about our program," said Siedlik. "She visited this summer and she loved Coach (Steve) Field and his coaching style. Riley fits our mold not only as an athletic setter, but her personality meshes with our group. She is playing on one of the top club teams in the country and we are looking forward to her growth here at Bellevue University. With her height and volleyball IQ, she will make our team even better."

She will play club volleyball this spring at Austin Juniors Volleyball Club under coach Amy Farber-Knowles. 

An excellent student, Burcham was a four-year member of the National Honor Society. 

Burcham joins earlier signees middle blocker Paige Hays (Glenwood, Iowa/Glenwood HS), outside hitter Paige Holdsworth (Omaha, Neb./Millard North HS), defensive specialist/outside hitter Jacey Klassen (Hampton, Neb./Hampton HS), and middle blocker Brooklyn Hundt (Underwood, Iowa/Tri-Center HS) in the 2019 recruiting class. 

The Bruins finished the 2018 season with a 23-12 overall record, advancing to the NAIA National Tournament for the third-straight season and the 11th time in school history.