University of Arizona names Becky Burke head basketball coach

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - The University of Arizona wasted no time in naming a new head women’s basketball coach.

On Wednesday, the school announced the hiring of Becky Burke to replace Adia Barnes.

“I would like to thank President (Suresh) Garimella and (Athletics Desireé Reed-Francois) for this wonderful opportunity to lead Arizona women’s basketball, a program with such rich tradition,” Burke said. “Wildcats’ fans fully understand the role that elite culture plays in building a program that wins championships. Our staff will be ready to make that a reality as we call Tucson home.”

Burke comes to the Old Pueblo after spending the last three seasons with the Buffalo Bulls.

“Our model centers around identifying head coaches who prioritize success in coaching, recruiting and the development of high-character student-athletes,” Reed-Francois said. “Coach Burke is a proven program builder and rising star in collegiate women’s basketball with a track record of transformational success. She is familiar with the Wildcats and the tight-knit community we have in Tucson. Our search committee did a wonderful job of selecting the right leader as we are proud to welcome Coach Burke, Savannah, and Banks to the University of Arizona.”

Burke has also coached at Saint Joseph’s (as an assistant), Embry-Riddle, Charleston, and USC Upstate.

She is 174-92 over her career and most recently led the Bulls to a 30-win season and the WNIT title in 2025.

Barnes took a job at SMU on Saturday, leaving the Wildcats after spending 10 seasons in Tucson.

Burke, the 10th coach in the Wildcats’ women’s basketball history, was a standout at Louisville where she graduated with a degree in sports management in 2012.

In four years as a Cardinal, she led the program to three NCAA tournament appearances, including the championship game in 2009 and the Sweet 16 in 2011.

She was born in Clarks Summit, Penn., and prepped at Abington Heights.

She was named the Pennsylvania Class 4A Player of the Year as a senior by the Associated Press and scored over 2,100 career points.

Burke and her wife Savannah have one son, Banks.

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