Lakeland Prep’s junior volleyball star, Ella Burd, has made history by becoming the first athlete from the school to commit to a Division 1 athletics program. Burd, a 3-year starting libero for the Lakeland Prep High School Varsity volleyball team, has committed to play at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. That makes Ella this weeks Lakeland Prep athlete of the week.
Burd’s accomplishments on the court are impressive. She has helped lead the Lady Lions to a dominant 37-4 overall record since their inaugural varsity season in 2022, where the team fielded all freshmen players. Lakeland Prep has remained undefeated in district play over the last three seasons, boasting a remarkable 31-0 district record.
“Ella is an excellent leader on and off the court. She exemplifies what it means to be a Lakeland Lion,” said Brady Benjamin, Lakeland Prep’s Athletic Director.
Burd’s success is not confined to athletics. Off the court, she maintains a stellar 4.27 GPA, embodying both academic and athletic excellence. Her leadership extends beyond Lakeland Prep as she also plays for the Memphis Metro Elite Black, one of the top travel volleyball teams in the country. Competing at the highest level, Burd travels to major tournaments in cities such as Dallas, Orlando, and Atlanta, showcasing her skills against elite competition.
Remarkably, Burd only began playing volleyball three years ago in July 2021, making the Lakeland Prep Middle School team as an eighth grader. Since then, her talent has caught the attention of college coaches across the country. Over the last 18 months, Burd’s profile has garnered nearly 1,300 views from coaches at over 200 universities, and she has attended six prospect and talent ID camps, including visits to Georgetown University, Tennessee, North Carolina, and North Florida.
Her parents, Michael and Julie Burd, expressed their pride in Ella’s accomplishments, stating, “We are thrilled for Ella. She has worked very hard and seized all the opportunities she has been provided to become the best she can be in the pursuit of her dreams and goals.”
Ella Burd’s remarkable journey, from a newcomer to the sport to a Division 1 commit, is a testament to her dedication, leadership, and passion for volleyball. Lakeland Prep’s legacy is now marked by her historic achievement, as she continues to make both her school and her community proud.
