There are approximately 100 African American and other student-athletes of color this school year at the University of Minnesota. In an occasional series throughout the school year and sports year, the MSR will highlight many of these players.
This week: Gopher junior softball player Breezy Burnett.
Halfway through her college playing and academic career, Breezy Burnett truly believes she is ready to take up a leadership role on the Gopher softball team.
“Last year I was younger, so it was like I was more laid back; but this year [it’s more about] being somebody that can also keep the girls encouraged this year throughout the whole season,” the outfielder from Jacksonville, Fla. pointed out.
Minnesota starts the 2025 season this Friday, Feb. 7, against Utah in Tempe, Az.
Softball season usually starts in February, which means that northern teams such as Minnesota must play their early games in warmer climates, such as Arizona and Florida, before they can play outside around here. As a result, the players must get their studies and work done virtually on the road for the next few weeks.
Burnett and I chatted a couple of weeks ago before she headed off to preseason practice inside the school’s on-campus football facility. “I think our coaches make it really easy for us by providing study hours mandatory for the freshmen, and open [for the upperclassmen] if you need it,” she continued.
“I think it can get hard at times, but they make it way easier for us and way more manageable to stay on top of your schoolwork, and it motivates you to do good in school” if you want to play, she said.
The 5’7” junior last season led Minnesota with 13 stolen bases and had 53 starts, after starting 41 games in right field her freshman season, with 17 runs driven in and scored 14.
Her personal goal remains the same – to improve each year. “I think just being more consistent,” said Burnett.
“I think every year it gets better, but this year I want to be consistent throughout the whole season. The ups and downs are going to come, but being able to snap out of the downs way quicker and just being able to be a good example as a leader.”
The team’s only Black player briefly reflected on her time as a Gopher thus far.
“I feel like it’s flying by in a good and bad way,” admitted Burnett, adding that she sees diversity in her sport is improving, but slowly: “I do think it is getting better,” she surmised.
“You still don’t see as many up north. We’ll go and play Big Ten schools and I still may be the only one. But I do think women are getting more recognition, especially in softball. They’re getting themselves out there, which is great. I just hope that it keeps moving forward.”
The Gopher legacy
Over 60 former Gopher women’s basketball players across five decades were recognized at halftime of the Jan. 26 Minnesota-Wisconsin contest. We talked to three alumni who we covered during their playing years.
“To this day I tell stories to my co-workers and my friends that these people will always be a part of my life, whether distant or close friends,” said Kim Bell (1998-2002). “It’s a shared experience. It’s a forever sisterhood.”
“Each decade has a part, and it’s great to be around,” said Lea B. Olsen (1988-90). “When I saw Lea Blackwell and she told me her daughter is 40 years old — she had her daughter when we were playing.”
Concluded Lea Blackwell (1987-89), “It always feels great to reconnect with former teammates and to see what we all are doing to continue to impact the game and also the community. It’s more about community and building on this legacy of being a Gopher.”
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@spokesman-recorder.com.