By Bob Sutton
Special to The Alamance News
Shaylen Burnett, one of the most decorated women’s basketball players at Elon, is returning to the program as director of player development and video/assistant coach.
Burnett, a Southern Alamance graduate and an assistant coach for the school’s girls’ team during the past season, helped the Phoenix to two NCAA Tournament appearances in her final two seasons as a player.
“We are excited to have our two-time champion and all-conference point guard back at Elon,” Elon coach Charlotte Smith said. “Shay has been an integral part of our program’s success as a player and will definitely assist in elevating Elon women’s basketball once again.”
Burnett played for Elon from 2014-18. She received numerous recognitions in what was then called the Colonial Athletic Association, including All-CAA first team status in three consecutive seasons. She was the CAA Player of the Year as a senior.
“Coming back to Elon means everything to me because this university helped shape me into the person, leader, and competitor I am today,” Burnett said. “Some of the best moments of my life happened here.”
Burnett is one of six players in Elon women’s history with at least 1,000 points, 500 assists, and 400 rebounds. She played professionally in Sweden, Finland, Ireland, and Mexico.
Since then, she has been back on the high school basketball scene, including time as a game official in the Raleigh area. She has also owned and coached the BBA Nets, a local travel basketball organization based in Graham.
Burnett was an exceptional children’s teacher at Woodlawn Middle School and The Hawbridge School. She was on the coaching staff for the Woodlawn Middle School girls’ team for two years.
Elon also announced that Shelbie Davenport was promoted to assistant coach from the role as director of player development and video.
