Becky Burleigh, Florida’s soccer coach since the program was created, arrived at practice Wednesday as she does every day, driving a sleek, beige Vespa motor scooter.
Her ride, she boasted, is a cut above the rest.
“It’s the Cadillac of scooters,” Burleigh said.
That description seemed fitting; Burleigh‘s Gators, one might say, have long been the Cadillac of Southeastern Conference soccer programs.
At 18-2-2, Florida, a No. 2 region seed, enters today’s 6 p.m. opening-round NCAA Tournament match against Mercer at James G. Pressly Stadium having just claimed its 11th SEC title. Under Burleigh, 282-72-25 in her 16th season at Florida, the Gators also won the 1998 national championship.
“I knew from day one we could be a good program because of the success of all the other programs here,” said Burleigh, 43. “It’s no coincidence every team here is really good.”
Burleigh’s program undoubtedly is near the top of that group.
In addition to winning multiple championships, Florida has produced soccer superstars such as Heather Mitts and Abby Wambach under her watch.
Burleigh’s current players, who seem to have a special affection for their coach, said she has two sides: the easy-going, peace-sticker-wearing scooter-rider who has them over for bonding get-togethers -- and the no-nonsense perfectionist who barks instructions on the practice field and doesn’t accept mediocrity or excuses.
“We’ve been to her house for multiple things … tie-dying, dinners -- she constantly invites us over for things.” said midfielder McKenzie Barney. “I think she’s a hippie at heart. That’s her personality -- her personality off the field. She’s completely different on it. There’s a very high standard here. Becky always says, ‘This isn’t for everyone.’”
Some players haven’t lasted.
The ones who do, are better for it, midfielder Erika Tymrak claimed.
As players. As people.
“Becky’s tough on us because she wants us to improve,” Tymrak said.
“She doesn’t put anybody on a pedestal. She treats everyone the same. She’s a hard coach but she’s also one of the easiest people to talk to. I can go to her office any time of day.”
Success apparently has not made Burleigh content. She insists she is as motivated as ever to bring more hardware back to Gainesville.
“It’s been a long time since we won a [national] championship,” Burleigh said.
Reminded it had only been 12 years, she replied, “Yeah, that’s a long time.”
