The role of a high school athlete is about more than just competing in their sports. They also have to work hard in the classroom and keep their grades up so they do not become ineligible. Elllana Burk knows that prioritizing things can be very helpful.

“For me it takes dedication, staying on top of my responsibilities and the occasional push from my parents,” she said. “I balance my social, academic, athletic and spiritual life pretty well. I am fortunate to have lots of cheerleaders in my corner to help me keep things in perspective and in check.”

Burk is a junior at Lawton MacArthur, where she is a member of the soccer and volleyball teams. Outside of school, she is also involved in the Key Club, Unified Sports, Student Council, the MacArthur Athletic Advisory Council, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the National Honor Society.

There have been many people in Ellana’s life that have helped shape her into who she is today.

“When I was growing up, my biggest role models were Alex Morgan and Tobin Heath,” Burk said. “I loved to watch them play on the world stage. I have been influenced by many of my coaches throughout the years, and want to utilize all the skills and knowledge that they have instilled in me to work up to my highest potential on the soccer field. My parents have been my biggest supporters and have always been there for me through every season of my athletic career. They are my biggest fans and I want to make them and all of my former/current coaches proud.”

During her career, Ellana has made a lot of memories with her teammates, both on and off the field. But she says that there is one experience that stands out as her favorite.

“The highlight of my soccer career was having the opportunity to travel to England with my club team in November of 2022, and play three of the top U 17’s teams in their country,” she recalled. “I was able to travel throughout England and see London, Wales and visit the Manchester United fields, and to actually walk on to the pitch at Wrexham.”