New Billikens coach stayed after Burger

A change in softball coaches at St. Louis University this summer turned out to be a good thing for Notre Dame senior Kristain Burger.

John Conway, the former coach at Division III Fontbonne University in St. Louis County, was named to replace Jim Molloy, who had first started recruiting Burger two years ago before retiring in May.

Conway followed up strong, and Burger followed up Thursday on a verbal commitment she had made earlier this fall to St. Louis University.

"St. Louis was recruiting me stronger than ever and offered me even more money," Burger said after signing her letter of intent at Notre Dame on the second day of the early signing period. "I was his No. 1, first recruit."

A good choice on Conway's part.

Burger was a four-year starter at Notre Dame, a three-time all-state selection and she set many offensive records -- "All except for stolen bases," said Notre Dame coach Jeff Graviett, who called Burger the best player he's coached in his six years at the helm for the Bulldogs.

Her career included three district championships -- for a program that had not previously won a district title -- and two trips to the Class 3 state final four. The Bulldogs finished third in Burger's sophomore year of 2004 and second in 2005.

Her best offensive season was her senior year, which ended with a loss to De Soto in the sectional round of the state playoffs. She set single-season school records in eight categories, including batting average (.543), home runs (9, breaking her own mark from the previous year), runs (40), hits (50) and RBIs (55).

"She's one of a kind," Graviett said. "She led the team not only by example, but also work ethic."

Burger said years of practice paid off on her hitting, particularly "repetitive pitching practice against a live arm."

"And coach Graviett pushed me hard to get into the weight room," she added.

In addition to softball, academics and family were factors in Burger's college decision.

Her brother, Major, currently attends St. Louis University as a senior in pre-med and may be attending medical school there. Her parents, Stephanie and former Murray State baseball player Russell Burger, and younger sister Summer also will be able to watch her play for the Billikens.

"Even if I wasn't going to play softball, I would still go there," Kristain Burger said. "They are known for their medical program and that's what I'm looking to go into."