SCA has secured former USA & Arizona State University and WNBL basketball player Joy Burke as a Panelist at this years SCA Champions Dinner (sponsored by Compassion Australia) at the MCG on Wednesday 31 May. Don’t miss early bird tickets HERE.
Joy Burke was born in Taiwan and moved to America with her family when she was 12 years old. It was there that she discovered her passion and skill for basketball – eventually leading to a scholarship to be a college basketball player at Arizona State University.
During her time in college, Joy earned a Bachelors degree in International Business and Marketing as well as a Masters degree in Strategic Communication and Advocacy.
She was also involved with Athletes in Action (AIA) and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) where she was certified as a Sports Life Coach helping to support others involved in high performance sport.
After her college basketball career, she represented USA in an All-Star basketball tournament in China competing against other national teams. Thinking that her time was finished in basketball, Joy reflected, “For the first time I felt that God had other plans for me”.
Without a Player Agent Joy was surprisingly given a contract to play professionally in Copenhagen, Denmark.
It was in this first season in Denmark, that she experienced a remarkable moment when, “I became completely surrendered to God, and, his plan for my life.”
Since that moment in early 2015 Joy has gone on a remarkable adventure all around the world. Her Danish basketball team ended up winning the championship. She got to go and play for her National Team, Taiwan, in the Asia Championship where she earned a contract with the Bendigo Spirit in Australia’s WNBL.
Joy is currently playing basketball professionally with the Ballarat Rush in the SEABL. She has a genuine love for her teammates, for Jesus and all those she meets with in sport.
We’re looking forward to her authentic and fresh perspective on high performance sport and just ‘how-to’ push through the tough times in sport and life.
Book your EARLY BIRD DINNER tickets HERE.
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