Vermont State University Lyndon

"Her quickness and aggressive play behind the plate left opposing coaches from around New England in awe, making comments such as, 'Unbelievable,' and 'I've never seen anyone like this in my life.'" 

- Johnny Johnson, former softball coach 

?While working towards a degree in physical education at Lyndon, ELIZABETH BURNHAM ’97 played basketball, softball, soccer, and tennis for three years.? She received much recognition for her athletic performance, including Captain/MVP/All-District softball, Basketball Player-of-the-Year for the Mayflower Conference, first in the nation 1.82 RBIs per game in the NAIA, LSC Female Athlete-of-the-Year, LSC Tennis MVP, and LSC Scholar Athlete.? Prior to coming to Lyndon, Elizabeth attended the University of Connecticut and was named All-Northeast 1st Team as catcher for softball and All-Tournament Team?at the Florida State Invitational Tournament.? 

?Kathleen Nolan was one of Elizabeth's coaches at Lyndon.? She shared that without reservation?Elizabeth was the best softball player she ever coached, excelling in every aspect of the game.???Although she played catcher, Nolan believed she had the capability to play any position on the field.? In the two seasons Nolan coached her, Elizabeth threw out every runner who attempted to steal on her and was a home run threat every time she stepped up to the plate.? Nolan recalls, "Elizabeth commands respect anywhere she plays.? I have seen her play in several men's softball leagues; the men quickly learn not to run on her arm and to respect her power at the plate ... She is an intense competitor and she absolutely loves to play the game.? I think Elizabeth plays the game as it was meant to be played; she is all-out, 100%, all of the time."?  

?In 1994 and 1995, Elizabeth played for the Colorado Silver Bullets, a professional women's baseball team.? She traveled the country playing against men's teams in minor league and major league parks.? Of Elizabeth's performance, team manager Phil Niekro said, "Elizabeth not only earned my respect, but also that of the other coaches and all the players for her dedication, attitude, hard work, love of the game, personality, and character that she brought to the game of baseball."? ?  

?Elizabeth believes in the importance of community involvement.? She is an active volunteer with Adult Basic Education, teaching?adults to read.? She has also served as a teacher for environmental learning for the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Green-Up Day volunteer, Newbury Recreation Committee member, Newbury Conservation Committee member, and coach of several area baseball and softball teams. 

?Elizabeth is an entrepreneur - she is a property manager, co-owner of a seasonal business, and a painting contractor.? Her seasonal business is Mr. Putz Miniature Golf, Ice Cream, and Driving Range.?? She resides in Newbury, Vt.