Kirby Burkholder (2025) - JMU Athletics Hall of Fame - James Madison University Athletics

Kirby Burkholder

Induction:
2025
Class:
2014

Shenandoah Valley native Kirby Burkholder stayed near home with her hometown Dukes and turned in a prolific career of individual success while leading JMU to a pair of Colonial Athletic Association titles. She ranks top 10 in JMU history in both points (ninth with 1,647) and rebounds (fourth with 929) while setting the program record for career free throw percentage (.870) and adding 216 assists, 190 steals and 46 blocks. The fourth Hall of Famer to play for JMU Hall of Fame coach Kenny Brooks, she aided the Dukes to a 109-33 record in four seasons with league titles and NCAA appearances in 2011 and 2014. Her senior squad in 2014 went 29-6 with the program's only NCAA win since 1991, a first round triumph over Gonzaga. During her sophomore season the Dukes finished as national runner up in the WNIT, while also advancing to the fourth round in her junior year. Burkholder was named both CAA and State (VaSID, Richmond Times-Dispatch) Player of the Year in 2014 and was a three-time All-CAA selection. In 2014 she signed a WNBA contract with the Washington Mystics and advanced to a nearly 10-year professional career in various leagues.