By
Brian Penso
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Burkholder leads Wildcats in NCAA tournament
Every team has one player that leads, helping the squad to keep its focus on one ultimate goal - winning.
In the past, great teams like the Chicago Bulls have had one leader - Michael Jordan - among many talented players.
The same is true about the UA volleyball team.
Arizona head coach David Rubio said that while everyone on the team is a leader in their own right, there is only one Dana Burkholder.
The team includes such players as senior middle blocker Marisa DaLee, a three time All-Pacific 10 Conference honoree, and outside hitter Allison Napier, a first-team All-Pac-10 award winner.
"I finally have accepted the role as the team leader, but there are other leaders on the team," Burkholder said. "I think that everyone is a leader in their own way. I feel I am Dave's 'go-through person' on the floor."
Burkholder is coming off her most successful season, one that culminated in her being awarded the 2000 Pac-10 Player of the Year award.
"Dana is in the middle of every play, and she has an effect on every play, and that is why she won the award," Napier said. "She is by far the best setter in the Pac-10 and obviously one of the best players. She is definitely deserving of that award."
Burkholder finished the season with a 13.85 per game average along with a 2.75 digs per game average.
She also has 3,916 career assists, second in UA history behind Laura Bartsch, who has 4,024 career assists.
Burkholder is very modest with all of the success she has had during the season.
"It is an added bonus to win this award," Burkholder said. "I am trying to be the best I can be, and if I win awards for that, then it is great. I think this is more importantly, though, a reflection on the team rather then on me."
Even though Burkholder is a two time All-Pac-10 first team honoree, she said she has struggled being a leader in her first two seasons.
"I always have to be a pillar, and that is not always easy," Burkholder said. "Last spring I came to grips with being a leader and being accountable for my actions."
Rubio said that her struggles in her first two season are due to putting so much pressure on herself to lead the team to victory.
"Volleyball is one of the most team-orientated sports, and in the past, she has tried to put the whole team on her shoulders," Rubio said. "This year, she has a striking balance, as she knows when she needs to be overzealous in her actions. We are just fortunate to have a player that is as dynamic as she is."
Burkholder credits Rubio, a former setter at Cal State Northridge, with taking her setting technique to a new level
"He has taught me the logistics of the game and the technique of setting," Burkholder said. "He has just helped me become a much better setter."
Despite Burkholder's talents, Rubio continues to be hard on his setter in an attempt to push her to become better.
Burkholder meets with Rubio in his office regularly to help her realize what leadership role she has on the team along with ways to improve as a player.
The junior's UA teammates also pepper Burkholder with critiques to help her get back on track, especially junior outside hitter Jill Talbot.
"Jill has a big impact on me," Burkholder said. "When I am struggling, she is always pushing me come back to the team and continue to work hard and do my job. I have never had a teammate like and Jill has helped me this year become a better player as well as a team player."
Burkholder now realizes that she needs to build confidence and belief in the team as well as execute and play her best.
"If Michael Jordan is playing bad, he is going to do whatever it takes to make the team successful," Burkholder said. "I feel I am in the same situation, and I need to find any way possible to help our team win."
