PORTALES, N.M. – Eastern New Mexico University Athletics announces the promotion of Katie Burnett as the department's assistant athletic director of student success.

"I am ready to bring what I have been doing for my team to the department. NCAA DII is special because the model focuses on academics and helping student-athletes stay balanced in both sport and school," said Burnett when asked about the new role. "ENMU's community is student centered. They want to see them thrive and make an impact after graduation."

Burnett is no stranger to Portales and Eastern New Mexico as she has been the assistant volleyball coach for the Greyhounds since July 2019. In her role, she organized team events, advised student-athletes, planned community outreach, and mentored graduate assistant coaches.

The transition from coaching to administration comes after two-straight double-digit win seasons, including a 15-13 finish in 2022. The 2022 team earned the most wins for the program since 2016.

The Austin, Texas native has coached four College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honorees at ENMU - Kayla Ison, Getsemani Carrasco, Gracelyn Stubbs (x2), and Rylee Mapes. She also helped the Greyhounds make an appearance in the 2021 Lone Star Conference tournament.

Prior to coming to Portales, she was a graduate assistant coach at Cameron University from 2017-19. During her time in Lawton, she helped work at the campus recreation center. She earned a master's from CU in 2019 in behavioral science.

Burnett holds a bachelor's in psychology from Colorado State University – Pueblo. A former student-athlete, she played volleyball for the ThunderWolves where she broke the school record for digs in a career with 1,614.

In her role as assistant athletic director of student success, Burnett will manage communications with coaches and student-athletes regarding, but not limited to campus advising, housing, and student affairs. She will also help student-athletes with career development.