Norco’s Class of 2027 Standout Chooses Blue Devils
Commitment to Duke
Sadie Burroughs, class of 2027 shortstop and utility player from Norco, California, committed to the Duke Blue Devils this past Sunday. In our phone call, Burroughs explained how Duke checked all of her boxes. The feel of the place, the welcoming coaching staff, and most of all, the Duke education. With a 4.67 weighted GPA at Norco High School and only one B in her life, academics play a major role in her decision.
“I loved everything about the coaches. I loved everything that Coach Young has going on. Also, I like the academic part of it. There’s not much that can beat the Duke degree,” Burroughs said. “It was just, in the end, it came down to the Duke degree for me. It’s just not something that you can really beat, and it’s truly a blessing to be able to have it.”
Academic Drive
That 4.67 GPA is the culmination of hard work in the classroom. Burroughs pointed out that her parents instilled in her from an early age the importance of always doing her absolute best. She makes it a point to take the toughest classes available, preparing herself as much as possible for college.
“Once I got to high school, I put myself in the hardest classes that I could take. So I have pushed myself every year to take the most amount of honors classes that I can take, the most amount of APs that I can take, and it’s just something that I like doing,” Burroughs said. “Like, I like learning. I like being at school, and I like reading and stuff like that. I feel like I’ve just always kind of pushed myself to work hard academically because you never know what could happen with softball. Academics are a non-negotiable for me.”
Impressions of Duke
When prospective student-athletes visit schools, it is about more than just their sport. For Burroughs, academics mattered as much as softball, and the feel of the Duke campus made a strong impression.
“It feels prestigious and it feels important,” said Burroughs. “It was very cool to kind of walk around and try to picture myself there, and we got to tour Cameron Indoor. That was just amazing. You can only imagine how it feels with packed fans during that UNC-Duke game.”
Burroughs spoke with life and enthusiasm about the opportunity ahead. She is ready for the ride at Duke University, and working hard has always been her way. Coach Marissa Young explained to me a couple of weeks ago that she is obsessed with the details, and that mindset mirrors how Burroughs approaches her own path.
Presence on the Field
On the field, Burroughs is a vocal leader who lets her supportive communication and play speak. She may not have the biggest frame, but her presence at shortstop shows her command of the game.
“There’s never a moment when my mouth is closed and I’m not talking. I’m a very vocal player. I’ve just always been that way. I’m always screaming, I’m always yelling. In a way you can see me like commanding the field, and I think that’s a big part of my play,” Burroughs said. “When I’m out there, I really just kind of focus on trusting my training. Because all the work that I’ve put in, it has prepared me for every ground ball, every moment, every play.”
Burroughs also takes pride in her hitting. She describes herself as a contact and power hitter, and though she doesn’t fit the mold of a typical slugger, she has what teammates and coaches call “sneaky power.” The righty makes pitchers pay when they leave a mistake in the zone.
Championship Pedigree
That preparation includes extra work at Futures Training Center in Corona, California, where she has built mobility and strength that transfer directly to her game. At Norco High School, she has been part of one of the most respected programs in California and nationally. This past season, she helped capture Norco’s seventh CIF Division I Championship under legendary coach Rick Robinson, who has over 700 career wins.
“This past year, we won the Division I CIF State Championship, and it was a really cool experience. Being on a winning team like that with all the girls that genuinely want to succeed, it’s been really, really cool. Winning that championship was probably one of the biggest highs I’ve felt in my life.”
She also credited her training at Futures for helping her prepare for the next level as well. Burroughs explained that she wants to continue adding strength and building more as she gets closer to Duke.
“I think the biggest thing is probably to work on getting stronger and work on just increasing my strength and size, because if you go out to these college campuses and you watch these college girls play, you can see how size and strength have a big advantage on their game. They’re able to move a lot quicker and they have so much more power.”
Travel Ball and Mentorship
Her travel ball journey has also played a big part in shaping her. Moving from 14U to Firecrackers Select Rico-Brashear 18U, she quickly learned from older players already committed to Division I schools.
“It was really, really cool to learn from all the older girls, just because of the experience that they have. I came on the team and there were 10 seniors, and they were all committed to Division I schools,” said Burroughs. “So it was really cool to hear about their experiences and how their experiences could help me navigate through my whole recruiting process, and I think that was really, really great.”
Burroughs credits Firecrackers owner Tony Rico with teaching her not only about softball, but about life. She calls it a blessing to learn from one of the game’s great minds. Rico also coached Marissa Young as a young player, making her connection to Duke all the more special.
“Yeah, it’s big for him as well because I mean, he was coaching Coach Young when she was very young, and he’s been coaching me as well for a very long time,” Burroughs said. “So, he even explained it, sometimes he’s like, you’re like a daughter to me, and she was like a daughter to me, and this is just so cool to see how it’s all playing out.”
Lessons from the Game
Softball has taught Burroughs lessons that carry far beyond the field. Work ethic, handling pressure, and staying grounded are all part of who she is.
“From a softball standpoint, the mindset that I feel like I’ve needed to have over the last multiple years has just been always to keep working hard, because you never know who’s out there working harder than you,” Burroughs said. “Softball is a game where you’re going to be in high pressure situations almost all the time, and how you deal with it, how you compartmentalize it, is really important. You can take an experience and let it consume you, or you can stay calm, work through it, and just play free. That’s what I’ve learned through the game.”
Flying under the radar is something that also fuels her. Sadie Burroughs is motivated, determined, and ready to show up, work hard, and do what she does best now and when she arrives to Duke. One thing I have taken from our conversation, is Sadie Burroughs’ drive to do everything to the highest level. The will to work harder to outwork the competition. That is a mindset that will go a long way, and a mindset made for Duke.
Thank you, Sadie for taking the time to discuss your commitment and your journey in softball. Stay motivated and on top of the game!
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