Huntingdon helped Burnash expand her horizons

This week is NCAA Division III Week and member institutions across the country are celebrating the second-year event.

Division III Week, which began Monday and runs through Sunday, is intended to recognize the academic and athletic accomplishments as well as the campus leadership and community service efforts of Division III student-athletes.

As part of Huntingdon College's participation in Division III Week, student-athletes are being featured this week. Huntingdon senior Jenny Burnash is today's featured student-athlete.   

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Jenny Burnash's first exposure to Huntingdon College was because of soccer. But her lasting memories of college will be about how Huntingdon challenged her to grow.

As a high school senior, looking for a place where she could play soccer in college, Burnash made a visit to Huntingdon's campus and liked what she saw. Now, as a college senior about to graduate, Burnash is thankful for the opportunities Huntingdon has provided.

"When I first became interested in Huntingdon, it was because I wanted to continue playing soccer," said Burnash, a two-time All-Conference selection. "But Huntingdon has meant more to me than just athletics. I think Huntingdon has helped me learn to be more outgoing and has helped broaden my horizons. Huntingdon has pushed me to go farther than I thought I could in academics and athletics."

Burnash said part of the reason for that is the support students find on campus, from both students and faculty.

"Part of what made soccer so fun was the tight-knit family you form with the girls on the team. When you're with people every day for three months, you form a bond," Burnash said. "In class, the professors care about you and make sure you do the best you can. They take the time to get to know the students, they come to games and they're active with the student body. It shows that they enjoy their jobs and want to help their students succeed."

With graduation approaching, Burnash recently made the decision to join the Navy.

"Right now I'm planning on making a career in the Navy," Burnash said. "It's something I've been thinking about since I came back from Christmas break and I feel like that's the direction I need to go."

Name: Jenny Burnash

Year: Senior

Major: Biology

Hometown: Enterprise, Ala.                                 

Sport: Women's soccer

Athletic accomplishments: Burnash was a four-year player for Huntingdon and a two-time All-Conference selection. As a senior she recorded 114 saves and finished her career with 519 saves.

Campus Activities: Burnash is a member of SAAC and the Huntingdon Health Club.