Spotlight Sweden’s New Basketball Star

From small town rookie to international athlete, Shaylen Burnett is making waves in women’s basketball as the newest addition to Norrkoping Dolphins in Sweden.

Burnett was a stand out player at Elon University where she recently graduated with a degree in Sport and Event Management. Her long list of accolades includes being named CAA’s Preseason Player of the Year, earning the first two triple-doubles in the program’s history and ranking fourth of all time in points at Elon.

We're beyond proud of 2018 grad Shay Burnett, who signed today with @DolphinsBasket in Norrköping, Sweden 🇸🇪! #TogetherWeRise #phoenixrising pic.twitter.com/AXkVbl6M5d

— Elon Women's Basketball (@ElonWBasketball) August 4, 2018

Recently, the North Carolina native represented the U.S. in the International University Sports America Games in Brazil. The 5’9” guard also participated in the WNBA combine in Columbus, Ohio with Athletes for Action.

Burnett offered these exclusive insights to Chicks into Sports:

K: When did you start playing basketball and why’d you choose that sport?

S: I started [at] age five and because my mom and dad played basketball growing up. My mother also played in college at High Point University! My whole family plays [or] has played basketball.

Burnett’s family has been heavily involved with the sport for generations. Her brother, Jalen Burnett, currently plays at Averitt University. Her mother played in the High Point women’s basketball program as well.

K: You were a star player at Elon, how do you think that contributed or will contribute to your professional career?

S: I think that playing in college against top competition and being successful while doing that breeds confidence, confidence in knowing that I belong. Playing for a coach that had a great professional career and knowing that she believes in my ability playing on the next level was also a major plus.

Charlotte Smith has headed the Elon University Women’s Basketball team since 2011. The former college and professional star led the team to its second-straight CAA title in March of this year.

In case you missed it this weekend, Shay Burnett signed on to continue her hoops career in Sweden with @DolphinsBasket! https://t.co/fWA8AT36uo#TogetherWeRise #phoenixrising

— Elon Women's Basketball (@ElonWBasketball) August 6, 2018

K: What are you most excited about for Sweden?

S: Learning a different culture and having an opportunity to play professionally abroad.

To see more of Burnett’s journey follow her Twitter: @Shayy_B_ballin