Bio

Burke comes from a highly successful high school coaching career as the head girls’ soccer coach at Catholic Memorial (Waukesha, WI) from 1993-2020 where he had a 540-59-45 record including 25 straight winning seasons, 14 state titles including five straight from 2012-17 and 1 national title. Burke won the NSCAA national coach of the year twice, and he is the only high school coach in Wisconsin in any sport to be named CBS Sports / MaxPreps 2010-2019 National Coach of the decade.

Burke’s 2000 team at Memorial, which featured US National Team player Leslie Osborne, finished ranked in the NSCAA/adidas poll as the top girls’ high school team in the nation.

“When Dean Herman and Greg Brandner approached me to join the Bryant & Stratton College staff, I was immediately impressed by their commitment to creating the finest environment for student-athletes and their coaches. I have focused my entire coaching career on helping student-athletes reach their academic, athletic, career, and life goals, so I’m excited to begin this next journey with the remarkable Bryant & Stratton College family. I’m looking forward to getting the team together to begin mapping our strategy for growing the Bryant & Stratton Women’s soccer team into a team that earns national recognition,” Burke said.

“We are excited to add John to the Bobcats family,” Bryant & Stratton College Athletic Director Greg Brandner said. “John’s arguably the most successful high school girls’ soccer coach in WIAA history. His coaching accomplishments are truly remarkable as well as what he does for his community. We believe he will have that same success at the junior college level at Bryant & Stratton College.”

Burke holds a United States Soccer Federation (USSF) B License as well as a bachelor’s degree in English with an Education minor from St. John’s University (Collegeville, MN), a Master’s in British and American Literature from Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI) and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Cardinal Stitch University (Milwaukee, WI).

Burke resides in New Berlin with his wife, Mary, and his daughters Mo, Maggie, Maria, and Molly.    

The Bobcats women’s soccer program is recruiting for the upcoming season. Interested recruits should fill out the Bryant & Stratton Recruitment Form.

Here’s What Others Have to Say About Coach Burke

“What an excellent choice, the leadership at Bryant & Stratton has made. John Burke’s record as a coach speaks for itself. Coach Burke truly separates himself with his holistic approach to coaching. The young women of Bryant & Stratton will be looked after, cared for, and challenged amazingly well during this period of their lives. I cannot imagine a better choice being made. The future of Bobcat soccer is very bright, and I am excited to follow the program moving forward.”

-Brian Pensky, Women’s Head Soccer Coach, The University of Tennessee Soccer

"What a great hire for the Women’s program at Bryant & Stratton College. John Burke is one of the most decorated coaches’ male or female in the country. With John’s guidance the players will develop and make Bryant & Stratton a powerhouse in collegiate soccer."

-Bob Spielmann, Director of Coaching, Bavarian SC

“(John) took me under his wing and saw something special in me. I was so lucky to have him both as my ODP coach and then at Catholic Memorial - both pivotal points in my youth and career. He was always willing to help me whenever possible...whether it was doing extra training/running, getting help in the classroom or giving me words of encouragement. I wouldn’t be where I am at today without Mr. Burke.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          -Leslie Osborne, US Women’s National Team 2004-2008, NCAA National Champion at Santa Clara Univ.

"Bryant & Stratton did it right! Besides all the high school state championships, he has developed countless soccer players to play at collegiate level, but more important he impowering young women to make a difference in the world. "                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        -Frank Pelaez, Women’s Head Soccer Coach, Marquette University

“Bryant & Stratton have added the perfect choice in John Burke. John’s experience and coaching ability will be a huge asset. He has created one of the best High school girls’ programs in the country, and his teams achieve academically as well. His commitment to developing the TOPS program for special needs kids is extraordinary. His ability to connect with players and develop talent sets him apart as one of the top coaches in the region and country.”                                                                                                                                                                                                               -Michael Beatty, PFC Academy

“John Burke is an excellent hire for Bryant & Stratton College. John is a tireless worker in the soccer community and brings a wealth of knowledge to this position. He will be a great role model for the women's soccer program and the College. His passion for the game is contagious and his vast knowledge of players and the game will help Bryant & Stratton become a top destination for local soccer players.”  

Robert Williams, President of the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association