Burke Shines as Liberty’s Key Player Following Championship Win

WASHINGTON – Just a few days after securing the WNBA Championship, Kennedy Burke laced up her sneakers and headed to the court.

Her dedication over the next six months made her a strong contender for the sixth player of the year award.

The stats from her first eight games are impressive: 54.5% shooting from the field and 59.3% from beyond the arc.

That’s a significant jump from the preseason, where she managed only 40.9% and 25.9% with fewer attempts.

When asked about her shooting this season, Burke remarked, “It feels pretty good.”

She emphasized the importance of her teammates finding her when she was in a position to shoot, which boosted her confidence.

Coach Sandy Brondello recognized Burke’s increased role in the team’s rotation this year.

After the Valkyries selected Kayla Thornton in the draft, Burke became even more integral to Liberty’s championship hopes.

Brondello noticed her growing confidence, attributing it to hard work over the offseason.

However, it wasn’t about changing her shooting mechanics.

“Honestly, it was just about practice,” Burke said following a recent win against the Mystics.

Her mental approach has shifted noticeably.

“When you shoot the ball, you just know it’s going in,” Burke claimed. “So I have that confidence consistently.”

Burke has felt more empowered since Natasha Cloud joined the team.

Interestingly, Cloud and Burke briefly teamed up with the Mystics back in 2022.

Cloud recognized Burke’s potential as an impact player if utilized correctly.

The two practiced together in late April before the training camp started, where Cloud encouraged Burke to be more assertive.

“She just keeps telling me, ‘If you’re wide open, shoot the damn ball,'” Burke said. “I trust her completely, and she’s been supportive since the beginning, even during preseason.”

While Cloud has helped build Burke’s confidence, it’s ultimately Burke who determines the results.

Burke stepped up notably when Johnkel Jones went down with an ankle injury in the first quarter of a recent game, finishing with 12 points and perfect shooting from deep.

“Those three-point shots were greatly needed,” Brondello acknowledged.

Burke’s strong start has put her in the conversation for sixth player of the year, with her 9.3 points per game ranking her fourth among bench players. Still, her efficient shooting sets her apart.

While scoring isn’t the only criteria for the season awards, her consistent contribution off the bench is hard to overlook.