The recent news that ongoing COVID-19 issues would force the cancellation of spring sports in 2021 was disheartening to many Chico State student-athletes. Senior softball player Shelby Burdette, about to enter her final season of competition as a Wildcat, suddenly had to come to grips with the fact that her college playing days were over. Though understandably disappointed, the animal science major is already utilizing her love of living things to begin writing possibly the next chapter in her life story. Shelby Burdette’s dedication to the softball program and her positive outlook on the future makes her the latest Wildcat of the Week.
Though she has two seasons of athletic eligibility remaining, Burdette made the tough decision to complete her education and graduate in the spring.
“I love my teammates, but in my best interests I decided to move on,” Burdette said. “Since it’s my senior year (academically), I’d be done with my classes and have nothing to come back for.”
But Burdette can’t help but imagine what could have been for the Wildcats in 2021.
“I love my team and the coaching staff, and knowing that I’m not going to be playing with them anymore really hurts,” Burdette said. “I basically grew up with this team, and it sucks not to be able to finish out my senior year with them…especially since how great this team could’ve been.”
This marks the second time the pandemic has stung Burdette and the Wildcat softball program. As a freshman, she was part of Chico State’s 2018 West Region title team that advanced to the Division II Championship Finals in Salem, Virginia. Burdette feels that last year’s team—which owned a 19-2 record and was ranked No. 2 in the country when COVID-19 shut the season down in mid-March—was on a similar path.
“It hurt when we first got the first news,” Burdette remembers. “I saw the potential (in the 2019 team). We were on our way. It felt like my freshman year again.”
Asked what were her most special and memorable moments as a ’Cat, the relationships Burdette forged with her teammates topped the list.
“I’m really going to miss the friendships,” she said. “Whether it was the bus rides to San Francisco or Stanislaus, or the plane rides to southern California, it was fun getting to know each individual player on a one-on-one basis. We’d listen to music together, talk about things. You really don’t know who you’re playing with unless you get the chance to know them. I really appreciate that. That’s why I love Chico State and the softball team so much.”
Burdette’s appreciation of the Wildcat softball program is reciprocated a tenfold by her teammates and coaches.
“Shelby has always been a quiet leader by example,” Chico State head coach Angel Shamblin said. “She is hard working, a great student, and a caring person. That has meant a lot to me and our program. We are grateful that Shelby is a Wildcat softball player and for everything she has brought to our program. We know it didn’t end the way we all wanted, but we also know that Shelby has a bright future ahead.”
That future has already begun. She is currently serving as an intern at North County Canine Training in her hometown of San Diego. Prior to the job, she had picked up experience as a dog walker and obedience trainer, as well as volunteering at her local animal shelter.
“My sister took her dog to (North State Canine) for obedience training, and I thought I’d be able to help,” Burdette said. Her internship involves a whole host of responsibilities, including dog boarding and obedience training.
“I get to interact with all these dogs,” Burdette said. “It’s going to get me started in a career working with animals.”
Burdette says she knew she wanted to work with animals since she was seven years old.
“It basically started when I got my first dog, Tigger,” Burdette recounts. “He was my test subject…I taught him everything he knows. When I got him I knew I wanted to have a career involving animals. I’m really good with animals…I can tell by their body language how to interact with them.”
In between work and school, she is still involved in softball…not as a player, but as a coach.
“I’m giving lessons to a 15-year-old high school player on slapping and outfield techniques,” Burdette said. “I love it. I’m in softball again, and the girl I’m working with is super motivated. She encompasses what the Wildcats are: always anxious to learn and get better.”
Burdette, who has earned no less than five California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) All-Academic honors and a pair of Division II Athletic Directors Association Academic Achievement Awards, plans on getting additional research experience after graduating from Chico State, then pursue a master’s degree in a couple of years.
As she works toward her bachelor’s degree, Burdette remains close with her Wildcat teammates.
“We have Zoom meetings once a week,” Burdette said. “It’s nice to see everyone in one place. We talk softball stuff and what we’re doing at home. We also have a group chat, so we always talk.”
Budette is close with her roommates, including Sara Mitrano, Grace Gallagher and former Wildcat teammate Breanna Martin. Senior pitcher Sam Mulock is particularly special in Burdette’s life.
“Sam is my best friend,” Burdette said. “I’ve played softball with her since I was 14. We were on the same travel team in San Diego, and in college she was my rock and go-to girl. She always will be.”
Burdette is confident she’ll stay in contact with her teammates long after graduation, and is especially proud of being part of the Wildcat Family. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to complicate the lives of her fellow student-athletes, Burdette offered some words of encouragement to her fellow student-athletes.
“Stay positive and keep going. Don’t let anything stop you from the things you want to do,” Burdette said. “Know that you’ll come out of this stronger that you were before. If you keep going, it will be worth it.”
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