Norwin’s Bursick verbally commits to play soccer at Duquesne

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Monday, August 21, 2023 | 8:58 PM

Junior Julia Bursick is done playing soccer at Norwin. For now.

In a couple of years, she hopes to be playing for Duquesne.

In between, she will train and continue to prepare for a post-high school career in soccer and academics.

Bursick announced Monday she has verbally committed to play at Duquesne. But she also said she will not play this high school season.

“I want to put my full focus on my academics and starting to prepare to play at the next level,” said Bursick, a team captain for Century 06 and a two-time all-section player at Norwin. “I’ll miss playing with my teammates, but I wish them all the best this season.”

The possibility exists, Bursick said, that she could play for Norwin next season when she is a senior.

I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career playing D1 soccer at Duquesne University! Thank you to all of my coaches, teammates, trainers, family and friends for all that you have done to get me to this point! ROLL DUKES❤️???? pic.twitter.com/ch2lrcAUfs

— Julia Bursick (@julia_bursick) August 21, 2023

Bursick, a standout center midfielder, said she has dreamed of earning a Division I opportunity since she knew what college soccer was. Since she started kicking the ball around her backyard.

“I’ve always had a dream to play Division I soccer ever since I’ve been little,” she said. “Now that my dream is coming true, it’s so surreal.”

The proverbial magic connection happened for Bursick when she visited Duquesne’s athletic facilities.

Staying close to home wasn’t a main priority, but it is a bonus for her family and friends who can follow her career.

“Ever since I stepped on Duquesne’s campus and met the coaches I knew it was the place I wanted to be,” she said. “It feels like home to me. I wanted a combination of city life and quiet space, and Duquesne is perfect for that.

“I spoke to nine other universities, but none of them quite felt like Duquesne.”

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Norwin