Korrin Burns Signs To Continue Volleyball And Academic Career At St. Francis University

(Images submitted – Above: (Seated) Korrin with mom and dad, Jodi and Joe Burns, (Standing L-R) Clarion Area head coach Shari Campbell and assistant coaches Sammi Beichner and Tracy Durish)

Clarion Area Bobcat Volleyball standout Korrin Burns has signed her National Letter of Intent to continue her athletic and academic career St. Francis University, in Loretto.

St. Francis Red Flash volleyball is an NCAA Division I program, competing in the North East Conference (NEC).

Guiding the Red Flash is head coach Sara McMullen, a position she has held since 2016. She previously served as an assistant coach at Washington & Jefferson College and the College of Wooster (Ohio) and as a volunteer assistant at her alma mater California University of Pennsylvania.

In 2021, McMullen earned NEC Coach of the Year while leading the Red Flash squad to the first Northeast Conference Tournament in seven years and in her career at Saint Francis.

Coach McMullen is very excited about her new recruit. “She is a phenomenal athlete and an even better person! Korrin has grown up in a volleyball family.  All of her sisters and her mother played collegiate volleyball.” 

Saint Francis had their eye on Korrin early on. Coach Mullen shared, “We started recruiting Korrin her sophomore year.  She sent me an email with some film attached, her first swing on the highlight tape had caught my attention big time!” 

But . . . “I was able to see her play live, March of 2020 and then the pandemic hit.  Thankfully for technology, I was able to follow her high school season her junior year and watch her dominate the state playoffs and win a state championship. 

“Her recruiting process was very unconventional.  With the pandemic, the NCAA had us in a dead period for most of the time we spent recruiting her- which means we were not allowed any in person contact.  Between my assistant and I, we spent a lot of time on phone calls, zooms and facetimes.”

And what does coach McMullen see Korrin bringing to the Red Flash volleyball program? “Korrin is such a cool kid and a great fit for our program.  She is a kind person who has this drive to better herself and the others around her.  Every time I have seen her play, she has improved in some areas of her game.  She is a complete player who can crush balls!  I am really excited to get her in our gym and see the positive impact she will have at SFU!” 

Korrin is equally impressed with St. Francis volleyball. “I absolutely love the coaching staff. They are friendly. Their level of IQ when it comes to volleyball is very high. And I have some old teammates from my club team who have played for Revolution and they have gone to St. Francis and I’ve heard amazing things about it. Maggie Hogan is the main one. She played on Northern Cambria that beat us in the State semis in 2019.”   

What position does she see herself playing? “I really would like to play any position, anytime on the court. Any way I can help the team would be awesome. But I’m thinking Outside, or Right Side, or anything really.”  

Korrin had some fine things to say about her new coach, “I reached out to her and she reached right back out to me. Ever since then, I’ve been truly impressed by her words and her diction; a very intelligent lady and caring. I’ve heard unbelievably good things about her from her team, her players. I actually went on a Zoom call with them when I was being recruited and they just told me how flexible she was with everything and helping them with academics.”

As to her own academics, Korrin said, “I’ll be majoring in Exercise Science and hopefully, I’ll get my degree in Physical Therapy.” When asked whether she would like to concentrate on working with athletes or the general public, she said, “People in general. I like a variety of different people. Having a variety would be awesome…  instead of focusing solely on one group of people.”  

There are a number of positives that led to Korrin’s selecting St. Francis. “I toured St. Francis and I absolutely loved how it made me feel. I felt like I was at home. It just fit so perfectly with academics, what I wanted. And the athletics has a very strong program. It’s very close to my home. It’s two hours away, so it’s a perfect distance where my family can come watch me. It just feels like home.”

Korrin, the daughter of Joe and Jodi Burns, had a stellar career for the Bobcats. She was named Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association (PVCA) All-State her sophomore through senior years (2019, 2020 and 2021). Korrin was First Team All-District Nine District Nine All-Star each of her four varsity years (2018-2021) and was named Co-MVP with teammates Brenna Campbell and Erica Selfridge as a junior (2020) and MVP her senior season (2021).

Korrin was Second Team All-Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference (KSAC) as a freshman (2018) and First Team her final three years (2019-2021) and conference MVP as a junior and senior (2020, 2021). She finished her career with 1,570 kills, joining the 1,000 Kill Club as a junior.  

She was a member Clarion Area’s back-to-back Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Class-A State Champions during her junior and senior seasons (2020 and 2021), three District Nine Class-A champions (2018, 2020, 2021) and three KSAC champions (2019-2021).

In addition to the last two State championships, during Korrin’s career the Bobcats also made the State Elite Eight in 2018 and the Final Four in 2019. During her four years (2018-2021) Clarion’s overall record was 78-5.

Korrin credits the Clarion Area coaching staff for helping her on this journey. “Coach Campbell (Clarion Area head coach) has put so much effort into Clarion Volleyball. She helped tremendously in my journey of being a part of this team. I thank (assistant coach)Tracy Durish for everything she has done, helping me on and off the court. (Assistant coach) Sammi Beichner, just the same, helping me when we’re in practice, not only physically, but mentally, helps me challenge in the weightroom. Coach Campbell has just played a huge part in my success on going to St. Francis.”

The three coaches shared their thoughts. Coach Campbell said, “I am excited to watch Korrin take her game to the next level as she begins her collegiate career at St Francis University. 

“She has been such a key to all our success over the past four years at Clarion Area. 

“She will certainly be an asset at St Francis as she knows what it takes to win. Beyond that she has a great understanding of the game and is an all-around player who can contribute both offensively and defensively. I, and the team, will miss her but we wish her the best and know she will achieve great things.”

Coach Beichner shared, “Korrin has been such a fun student athlete to coach. She brings dedication, strength, knowledge and a lot of heart in to the gym and on the court, along with a lot of laughter.

“Seeing Korrin grow as a player and a person, these last six years, has been such a joy. She never shied away from asking questions or finding ways to get better every day. You love seeing that in your team.

“Korrin and I always had this connection, she knew that I could always be her calming force during a game and to remind her to breathe and to just play!

“I am so very proud of all of Korrin’s accomplishments and cannot wait to watch her in her next journey at Saint Francis, I know she will do great things!

“Thank you to Joe and Jodi for being great supportive parents through the years! You have raised such strong, independent, kind hearted girls. I have had the privilege to coach all four of the Burns girls; Karly, Ellie, Liv and Korrin.

“Congratulations, Korrin! I am so very proud of you.  ~ Coach Sam”

Coach Durish had this to say, “Korrin Burns is an outstanding athlete and great student.  She loves the game of volleyball and plays with her heart and soul.  She is a joy to coach and teach… St. Francis is lucky to get her.”

And about her Bobcat teammates and their camaraderie, Korrin said, “This 2021 season has to be one of my favorite seasons. Being super close with my senior friends, watching all of us grow and become State champions was truly amazing. They have developed me, not only as a player, but as a person.”

Korrin’s mother, Jodi Burns shared about various individuals who helped prepare her daughter for success. “When I look back over Korrin’s developmental years, I feel there are so many cool factors that have played an integral part into her success story. I believe the early experiences during elementary school paved the way. Playing soccer for the Clarion Strikers and basketball for local club teams (Tammy Lerch’s Comets and then with Buck Weaver’s Krush basketball teams) taught her the importance of quick feet and sound fundamentals, as well as planted the seeds for the right type of mindset going forward into the sport of volleyball.”

Coach Tammy Lerch had these kind words for Korrin, “Congratulations Korrin on your successful High school career in volleyball. As one of your former basketball coaches, I am so proud of your dedication and sacrifice made to pursue your sport.

“This level of work ethic was evident in your early Elementary years of playing basketball.  I could see your level of determination, while coaching you from fifth grade travel ball through eighth grade AAU basketball.  Your natural drive to the hoop, while beating tough  5A & 6A Pittsburgh defenders, was a thing of beauty. 

“Your willingness and ability to play any position was a coaches’ dream.  Having had the privilege of coaching such an athlete as yourself, I know you will continue to succeed.  I can’t wait to see what your bright future holds while playing volleyball for St. Francis University. Coach Tammy”   

“Although Korrin said early on that she would NOT play volleyball like her sisters, that all changed when she attended her first volleyball camp. When older sister Olivia was to attend the IUP volleyball camp (Liv had already verbally committed to play there). Former IUP Coach, Scott Pennewill, asked me to be a coach on staff.

“I’ll never forget the moment when Korrin fell in love with the sport when she was a rising seventh grader. Scott gave each camper a simple journal to write down their thoughts at the end of each session. As she listened to Scott’s speech to the athletes, her eyes danced, and she dove into that journal. One of Korrin’s strengths is the love of learning. From that moment, she never looked back – it was volleyball as her main sport. I also credit the endless number of hours she has spent watching film. I once suggested watching film as a key to learning, but never said another word. Korrin’s self-motivation has driven her success.”

Korrin said this about Coach Pennewill, “He was my very first (volleyball) coach, really. I looked up to him. He was my sister’s coach.”

Coach Pennewill and his staff saw a great transformation taking place. “We were a little concerned about her first camp experience at IUP, as a seventh grader, she was going to be by far the youngest participant. But in Korrin’s true way, her excitement and enthusiasm were contagious to both the staff and all the other campers.       

“It was fascinating watching in a week’s time, a player going from slightly hesitant to jumping in to any setting on court, even when the coaches, who were college players, would play. She absolutely thrived on having those experiences.      

“We as coaches could see a fire being lit and the realization of a volleyball player, that she has found something fulfilling.       

“On the recruiting trail, I would get to see Korrin compete in her age group and see her growth and passion continue to improve, along with a competitive spirit that was ever present. It was fantastic to see Korrin produce results in the clutch and see that she was there for her teammates when they needed her.

“One can tell that she is maximizing all of her talents and experiences, coming from a rich volleyball family history, a strong camp and club experience, and a state championship high school winning program. Korrin is giving all that she’s got, all the time, and her teammates love her for that.         

“Congratulations on your decision, Korrin, to commit to playing DI volleyball for the Red Flash. The program has added to their roster a wonderful player and competitor, as well as terrific student and citizen for the University community at St Francis. There is no doubt that Korrin will accomplish great things during her time in Loretto.  We may get to see the best she has to offer as she moves on to the collegiate level.”

Korrin mentioned her club team coaches. “I play for Revolution Volleyball (Pittsburgh) and Brian and Heidi Miller (former North Allegheny head coach) they are part of North Allegheny Volleyball are my club coaches along with Dan LaBonte (head coach for Revolution and Korrin’s current 18-Team coach) and Annie Bozzo.

“They have played a huge part in (raising) my IQ when it comes to volleyball and knowing how to push the limits, it’s never good enough, knowing when to keep going. They have played a huge part in my volleyball skills.”

Coach Labonte said, “Korrin Burns has the ability to take over a match. She is highly skilled, incredibly competitive and the bigger the match, the better she performs.

“Korrin leads by example in our practices and at tournaments, giving maximum effort in all that she does.

“Every season, Korrin’s volleyball IQ has also increased, which will be very beneficial at the collegiate level. She cares greatly about her teammates, Revolution Volleyball Club, her family and community. Korrin represents the best of Revolution.       

“On behalf of Revolution, we wish Korrin the best at St. Francis University. We know that she will excel both on and off the court there.”    

Jodi shared about someone else who has been very instrumental in helping Korrin and others. “Another key piece that cannot be overlooked is the relationships that Korrin developed with Diane Gurner and her workout crew during the Covid-19 shutdown.

“Mental health wellness is such an important piece of the puzzle that cannot be overlooked. The combination of physical fitness and Diane’s positive leadership helped Korrin push through the rough times. We (Joe and I) would like to thank Diane and her workout friends for everything!”

Korrin is appreciative as well. “Dianne Gurner, she has helped me a lot, through my physical side and my mental and my mental strength. She plays a huge role, because whenever I was going through rough times, she was a real friend that I could lean on and rely on to go work out with. She has just truly been a huge impact on my life.”

Korrin mentioned that she works with a group of 10-15 girls doing “Jump training, aerobic exercise, it’s pretty intense with what we do. We do light weights but many reps.”

Coach Gurner shared, “Our group is so very proud of Korrin and her accomplishments.  We have all witnessed her unparalleled level of self-discipline, and her continuous drive and desire to create the best version of her. These traits were developed by her family and fostered by all who are lucky enough to be part of the origin and continuing story that is ‘Korrin’.           

“When the world closed due to COVID, our workout group did not just sit and wait for the world to reopen.  We found a space, a parking lot on Grand Avenue, where we were able to safely continue to care for our health, both physically and mentally.  Our workouts take place outside in the spring, summer and fall, and inside a very cold warehouse during the winter.  Workouts include circuit, Tabata (a high-intensity training regimen), cardio, core, and strength training. 

“Although you will initially come for the workout, you continue coming because of the people.  This is a quote shared by a friend that describes the connections that are made with this wonderful group of people, ‘What happens in a parking lot? Unimaginable friendship of all ages….just pure love and kindness.     

“We are all looking forward to the next chapter in Korrin’s life.”

Those closest to her have been Korrin’s biggest supporters along the way. “The support I got from my family was truly amazing, having them behind my back all these years. I feel like I’m the player I am today because of all my sisters and my mother, constant feedback and criticism.

“When I say criticism, I don’t mean it in a negative way. But it was intense some days, when we’d talk about it at the dinner table. We’d play in the back yard. It’s always learning more and more about the sport. We are just so in love with it.     

“Karly, my oldest sister, has always been a role model for me, looking up to her. She has been such a great sister and coach. 

“Ellie was my club team coach last year. So she coached me for my 17th year along with Evan Proksell , her husband.  Watching Ellie play at IUP and Pitt has been truly amazing. Watching the sport has really helped me understand the sport more and read the ball a little bit more.    

“Olivia, my third sister, I play beach and grass volleyball with her all the time I’m in the back yard with her. She has never coached me, because I feel we’re a little to close in the same age. But she has been one of my people who have helped to create the skill that I have today.    

“And my mother has been through it all. She has been there for me. Whenever I needed help figuring out how to get my serve over the net, she was right there. Always coaching me in a positive way, never forcing me to do anything that I didn’t want to do. So, when I said in seventh grade, ‘I really don’t want to play volleyball’, she was completely okay with it. She said “That’s OK.” And eventually, one day I fell in love with volleyball and she was super excited.

“Another person, I don’t want to dismiss, well two people are my brother and my dad. My dad has sacrificed so much. He travels to Pittsburgh with me three times a week for club. He really puts forth the effort making, not the player I am but the person I am. Volleyball has helped me in so many different ways, learning how to manage my time, learning how to communicate with others.

“So my dad has helped and sacrificed so much of his time to help me become the person I am today.      

“And my brother has always been there and I love him. He has always supported me. So I don’t want to dismiss that Jake hasn’t done anything to contribute to my volleyball success, because he has been there supporting me my entire life.

Korrin’s dad, Joe had this to say, “Direct from my heart… Korrin is one of the most selfless young people that I know. She has had an abundance of humility since the beginning of her early childhood. 

“She is most sensitive to her younger teammates, and I think there may have been instances of injustice by others towards her that transformed her to champion only the “positive” of others. She has learned to center on only the good of others, and to not live in the “negative room” of others.

“It seems cliche to say she has ridden the train of advice from “Mom/coach” and her four siblings- but it is true. Korrin has benefitted from the instructional experiences and intelligence of her family. If you add her self determination to that mix the outcome has generated much of her success.”

In summation, Jodi said, “Lastly, the real credit for these wonderful opportunities and experiences belongs to the glory of God. None of this would be possible without God walking beside Korrin and our entire family. We are truly blessed.”

(Congratulations to Korrin and her family, Clarion Area Volleyball, Revolution Volleyball,St. Francis Volleyball and all those who have contributed to Korrin’s success!!!! CLARION PROUD!!!!)

Note: (Thanks to all who contributed comments, images and information for this article.)