Worcester State University's nursing program is among the institution's highest regarded concentrations. The challenge, skill and difficulty of the major make pursuing athletic endeavors a remarkable feat. In turn, the program's pedigree results in a couple of precedents for students who take on the challenge. For example, many nursing students have to change majors due to the demanding workload, and with that, there are very few student-athletes that are able to continue their athletic endeavors while remaining a nursing student during their entire eligibility. Enter Camryn Burgio. Not only has she figured out how to balance the nursing workload and Volleyball, but she's doing it at a high level of play. 

While some would argue that adding an NCAA varsity sport on top of a nursing major would be somewhat of a disaster, Burgio supplies a contrasting view explaining "playing a sport has provided me structure and has allowed me to learn time management. Balancing homework with practices and games." Along with fellow senior Gabby Alberghini, Burgio has been able to excel both in the classroom and on the court. She ranks among the Lancer's top three in just about every major stat category, all while her final academic year heats up these first few weeks of September. Burgio understands that what she is doing on and off the court is something few in her major are able to do, and credits her professors and teachers for being accommodating and supportive in her less than normal student-athlete path. 

Just eight matches into the season, Burgio is approaching her own personal bests in many offensive categories. Perhaps it's a little fire providing the heat for Burgio as she knows this may be her last shot. "Knowing it could be my last season motivated me to put in some more work this summer," comments Burgio. She is contributing to a squad that is hungry to finish the job this year, after falling to Framingham State University in last year's MASCAC final. Burgio believes "(this year's team) is definitely capable of it." In the Volleyball locker room, in large letters on the white board, Head Coach Bernie Chase has written 'WIN MASCACS', so the first thing Burgio and her teammates see every day is their mission. Burgio knows the way to do it is to take it "one game at a time- one MASCAC game at a time."

Camryn Burgio provides an incredible exception to the trope that nursing students are too bogged down by work to excel in athletics. In her senior season, she has become a leader on a team with the ability to win a championship. She and her squad will have the chance for some revenge tomorrow at noon as they host Framingham State University.

By Chris Wright '23