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The Clemson Lady's soccer team has had unparalleled success since the program was born in 1994, and Sara Burkett has been one of the program's most decorated members. Therefore, it is only fitting that she is the first women's soccer player to be inducted into Clemson's Athletic Hall of Fame.
As Clemson's first highly touted recruit, she was the Tigers' first All-American in women's soccer. She was named second team in 1997, her junior season, by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and soccerbuzz.com. Burkett also earned All-America honors in 1998. Soccertimes.com named her to the first team in 1998 as well as in 1997. She was one of 10 Hermann Trophy finalists in 1997, the equivalent of the Heisman Trophy for collegiate soccer.
During her career at Clemson, the Lady Tigers finished each season ranked in the top 20 nationally. Burkett was a vital member in the success of those teams; she started 87 of 89 games over her career. As a freshman in 1995, the team was #16 by the Intercollegiate Soccer Coaches Association of America and #15 by Soccer America. In 1996, Clemson finished as high as 11th in the polls. The 1997 team reached the final eight of the NCAA Tournament before falling to Santa Clara. They were ranked 10th in the final poll that year. The team defeated fourth-ranked William and Mary in the Clemson Invitational that season and Burkett assisted the two goals in the 2-0 win. She also scored a goal in the Lady Tigers' 2-0 victory over #5 Virginia at home.
The following year the Lady Tigers finished the season with a #11 ranking in the final Soccer America poll. Burkett tallied 16 goals that year, giving her 38 for her career. She also had 36 assists during her four years. Her 114 points are currently ranked second in school history but were the most for a Clemson player at the time. Burkett holds the record for the most assists with 12 as a junior and is listed among the top 10 in 12 total categories, including points per game and career goals.
The native of Florissant, MO, near St. Louis, was a first-team All-ACC selection all four years of her career. This is quite an accomplishment as only 15 other student-athletes in Clemson history can claim the honor. Burkett was also named to the All-Southeast Region team every year, earning first-team honors in 1995, 1997 and 1998 and second-team in 1996. She was named to the ACC's 50th Anniversary Team in 2003, recognizing the best athletes in their respective sports.
After graduation, Burkett played for the Atlanta Classic of the USISL's women's league in 1999. The team advanced to the title game that year, but was defeated after many of their players had returned to their collegiate teams.
She has remained in Atlanta and is currently a manager with Enterprise Leasing
