4/20/2009 - WOMEN'S BASKETBALL Burtnett burns bright for Belmont Bruins - Cleveland Banner

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CLEVELAND - Former Cleveland Lady Raider Cacy Burtnett knew things would be different when she headed off to play basketball for the Belmont University Lady Bruins. Although she was prepared for the step up to the next level, the change was quite a bit different than what she expected. Still, she finished up her freshman season in great shape and is now looking forward to her sophomore year as a veteran.

"It was a lot more than I expected. I knew it was going to be a lot of work. It was tougher than what I thought it would be but I felt like I was better prepared or as prepared as anybody else. I think Coach (Rachel) Powell prepared me very well. I fell like, Rachael (Isom) and M.D. (Michelle Davis) feel the same way.

"Our practices were somewhat similar to college practices. As far as that aspect I was very prepared. My skills were just as good as I needed them to be. Coach Powell told me it wasn't going to be easy. She was right."

Burtnett said the three hour practices covered a myriad of training including weights, film and preparing for road trips.

Basketball is not the only tough subject Burtnett has going on in Nashville. As a student, she is learning the ins and outs of nursing and has already made a name for herself as a member of the Atlantic Sun's All-Academic team. The hard-working student also found herself on the conference All-Freshman team after starting in about half of her first season games. A bout with mononucleosis benched the rising star for a few games toward the end of the season.

"I had to sit out for five games or so. That made it tough because I didn't get to come back until the tournament," she said. "I probably wasn't supposed to play then. But I have fully recovered."

Burtnett is the seventh Bruin to earn All-Freshman honors. She finished her rookie season ranked third among the Bruins in scoring and averaged 7.4 points per game. The 6-0 freshman ended the season ranked ninth in 3-point field goals in the Atlantic Sun. Cacy started in 16 games and averaged 25 minutes per game.

After the season ended, Burtnett had a little time -- very little -- for herself during spring break. Then it was right back to work getting ready to hone her skills even further. A five to six-hour day outside of the classroom is pretty standard procedure for the freshman veteran.