Volleyball Is a Family Affair for Westhampton Beach Burke Sisters

When the Burke sisters took to the volleyball court this season, it was reminiscent of a holiday gathering.

The three Westhampton Beach siblings had the unique opportunity to play together, and each game became a family affair, bringing parents, aunts, cousins, great-aunts and grandparents together to see their ride to the Suffolk County Class A Championship game unfold.

“It made everything a lot more fun, and it’s so special to me that we all got to play together during my last volleyball season,” senior Elliejean Burke said. “It also makes it much harder to let go of the sport, but I’m so grateful to have been able to play.”

The All-League Libero of the Year, who also plays softball, was influenced by her mother, Nicole, to pick up the sport. Nicole Burke, who actually ran track for Hampton Bays, played collegiate volleyball on scholarship and coached varsity volleyball in South Carolina prior to moving back to New York, where she worked with her oldest and other Hurricane varsity players for the Hampton Youth Athletic League.

“She taught me my fundamentals, but we especially worked on my jump serve,” Elliejean said. “It made me love the game, and it was a great experience.”

Her mother, who played right side, said her oldest daughter grew to be the kind of player she wishes she had been.

“She’s a hardworking, respectful, positive team player who can get herself out of any funk on the court — she doesn’t shut down. She’s reliable, and that’s a big deal in volleyball. El loves this game, and I think she really worked hard for it,” Nicole said. “And Katie is just Katie. She is powerful and super competitive. She’s going to fight till the end.”

Junior Katie Burke, who is looking to play softball in college, was a goalkeeper for the Hurricanes soccer team until switching to volleyball her freshman year. She picked up the sport for reasons similar to her mother — like the fact that it’s a lifetime sport that can also be played on the beach — although seeing her older sister out on the court also piqued her interest. It led the All-County and All-State outside hitter to being named Player of the Year and to the Class A All-Tournament team this season.

“The speed and intensity of the game really grabbed my attention, and the fact that everyone on the court has to contribute to every point,” Katie said. “We all played middle school volleyball, but it got more serious when we started playing club and in high school.”

The sisters, which includes sophomore setter Evie Burke, have all spent time competing for the Long Island FURY travel volleyball team. Evie just stepped away from softball this year to focus on volleyball. She first took to the court in seventh grade, where her coach asked her to try out her position, adding she “ended up liking it.”

“The dynamic of the sisters was unique, and naturally brought an incredible level of team chemistry — it played out beautifully in games,” varsity head coach Sarah Fabian said. “They could communicate and anticipate each other’s movements without words, creating a seamless connection on the court. If one sister was struggling, the others instinctively knew how to motivate and support her, fostering a calming atmosphere that benefited the entire team.”

Katie said that’s one thing her sister Evie had a positive impact on.

“She is someone you can always look to on and off the court,” the junior said. “She’ll know if something is wrong or not and cheer you up and make you laugh.”

Their mother said watching her daughters compete together brought out a roller coaster of emotions.

“I’m not going to lie — it was nerve-wracking watching them play, because you want them to be happy and you want them to do well,” Nicole said. “But it was also the greatest thing ever. It’s what made this year so special, but also difficult, because this was the last time they would play together like that. I am very grateful for all the opportunities they were given — it really brought our family together — and I’m still soaking it all in. It’s probably one of the most special memories I will have.”

It was also rare that the three had as much playing time together as they did. While they start at different positions, Evie had two setters ahead of her. She ended the season with over 20 assists and 15 digs, while Elliejean amassed more than 250 digs, 25 assists and 20 aces, and Katie collected over 200 kills, 150 digs and 35 aces.

“I noticed in middle school she had great hands, and she held her own out there and was given the opportunity to set to some pretty amazing hitters,” Nicole said of her youngest daughter. “It’s pretty amazing that they all have their niche. I don’t think it has hit me yet how special this all is. It seems normal for them to be playing together because they have been their whole lives.”

Fabian, who was also tabbed League V Coach of the Year, said the Burkes’ different roles and talents had a huge impact on the Hurricanes, who finished 13-3 this season, going undefeated in league play for the first time since 2016 while reaching the Suffolk County Championship game for the first time since 2018.

“It was fascinating to see the sisters thrive in completely different positions. This diversity highlighted their individual strengths and reinforced the idea that every player has a unique role in the team’s success,” she said. “Their mother played a pivotal role in shaping their early skills, making it clear where their talent and dedication stemmed from.”

Fabian also spoke to how that individuality was a critical component, especially evident during a 3-0 senior night sweep — 25-15, 25-13, 25-13 — of Rocky Point on October 17.

“These girls were pieces to a puzzle. Without them, we would not have been as successful as we were,” the coach said. “Ellie, whose defense led us to the county finals, stepped into a mentor role, guiding not only her sisters but her teammates with her experience and leadership — her calm and confident demeanor inspired those around her. Katie served as a cornerstone of the offense with her power and a game IQ that set her apart — consistently delivering with her strong swings and adaptability across the court. And Evie brought unrelenting energy — a fearless attitude and enthusiasm — challenging her older sisters to stay sharp while keeping the team’s morale high.”

Katie said it was a smooth transition to the varsity level because of how close she and her sisters are.

“Losing was devastating, knowing that I would never play with Elliejean again, but as sisters it was more than just playing the game together,” the junior said. “I think all the car rides together before and after practice, bus rides to and from games and all of the memories really made it the greatest season. It was also so fun to share it with my closest family and have that support in the stands. It brought so much excitement and energy.”

While Elliejean and Katie now take that connection back to the softball diamond this spring, Fabian said she’s looking forward to the bond Katie and Evie return next year, though noting Elliejean leaves big shoes to fill.

“Watching them compete together under the Hurricanes logo was remarkable — truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience — and their impact extended beyond their athleticism,” Fabian said. “They were leaders, mentors and a source of inspiration for their teammates. The program will dearly miss Ellie’s presence, but we’re grateful to have Katie and Evie returning to continue their legacy. The Burke sisters are also more than just exceptional volleyball players, they are incredible human beings. They embody dedication, sportsmanship and teamwork, contributing not only to our program’s success but also to its culture. Coaching them has been a privilege, and I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.”