Wesley senior Tristin Burris will finish her collegiate career this year as one of the best – if not THE best – all-around female student-athletes in school and CAC history – the potential winner of 20 varsity letters on six teams over four years and a near-perfect grade-point average. 

She has been a three-year starter for the field hockey team, and during her off hours in the fall, contributes as the fastest runner on the cross country team.  Burris has also started every game the last two years for the women’s lacrosse team – while contributing in the distance events for the track & field team in the spring.  She also lettered in her first two years at Wesley for the softball team.  Her winter season is kind of boring – she’s only a member of one team (indoor track & field).  For those keeping track –Burris is set up to finish her career as a 20-time varsity letterwinner. 

On top of that, the Camden, Del., native, a media arts major, is also a three-time member of the CAC All-Academic team and has been a Dean’s List student in each of her six semesters.  She boasts an amazing 3.98 cumulative grade point average – straight A’s, and one A-minus – in her three years at Wesley. 

To start off the 2012-13 season, we’re INTRODUCING … Tristin Burris.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?    I was raised playing sports. I grew up playing everything imaginable. For Wesley, I am on the field hockey, cross country, winter indoor track, lacrosse, and spring outdoor track and field teams.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?  I am majoring in Media Arts at Wesley. In this particular field especially, deadlines are a huge factor. So, time management is really important in this course. You have a lot of projects that are to be completed on your own time, which means setting aside extra hours to come into the lab and complete your work.

What is your favorite spot on campus?   My favorite spot on campus would have to be the turf athletic field. Outside of the classroom, this is where I spend most of my time. It’s where I practice, play my games, and release any stress that has built up during the day.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place to visit?  I love hitting the beach and spending time anywhere outside. My favorite places include anywhere that is warm and sunny. Tropical is always a plus. 

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?   Off campus, I participate in City of Dover Parks and Recreation adult field hockey league, as well as adult Co-Ed Softball league. I also travel and do tournaments with these teams.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.  I have many memorable experiences from each of my teams. A few that stand out the most are 1) The CoSIDA Academic All-District awards I received for field hockey, lacrosse, cross country, and track & field. 2) Beating Salisbury in 2010 in field hockey for the first time in Wolverine history in order to advance to the championships. 3) In cross country, it would be my first career win in a race at the Delaware State University Invitational. 4) My most memorable experience in lacrosse would be our team trip to Disney World for spring training.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?   The most important societal issue facing college students, especially with the economy the way it is, would have to be employment after graduation. The job market is fierce and tight right now. Even after attaining a degree from college there is no guaranteed job once you are done, which can be devastating to students’ financial status and abilities to pay off their loans.

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it?   I’d like to fix the New England Patriots ruining their perfect season during the Super Bowl a few years ago…18 wins, 1 “Giant” loss.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?  Probably my coaches. They keep me working hard.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  My favorite form of entertainment is attending athletic events.

What is your favorite source of information (TV, books, magazines, website, friends in dining hall, etc.)?   Usually the internet.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?   Get involved. It keeps you out of trouble.

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?   Go Yankees!

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with and why?  
1)      Michael Phelps
2)      Tom Brady
3)      Derek Jeter
 They’ve all made historical accomplishments and are very impressive athletes.