Burden named All-Conference

GALESBURG, Ill. — Former New London prep Natalie Burden was named to the 2023 All-Arrowhead Conference volleyball team as just a freshman when the conference released its all-conference lineup last week.

Burden, who graduated from New London in the spring of 2023, bursted onto the scene at Carl Sandburg College this year, helping the team secure first place in the conference standings.

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She was one of four freshman on her team to make the All-Arrowhead list.

The former Tiger star had 96 kills this season as an outside hitter. That was most on the team.

Much like in her high school career, Burden showed off her versatility by tying for third on the team with 63 digs.

As a New London prep, Burden quickly rose to become one of the best Tiger hitters during her time in school. She participated in the Class 1A state volleyball tournament as a sophomore. In her senior year, she led the team with 448 kills.

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2023 ALL-ARROWHEAD CONFERENCE VOLLEYBALL TEAM

Most Valuable Player: Lacey Eissens (freshman, Sauk Valley)

Grace Vyhnanek (freshman, Sandburg)

Madeline Mooney (freshman, Sandburg)

Maya Gartin (sophomores, Sauk Valley)

Mary Zettle (sophomore, Highland)

Natalie Burden (freshman, Sandburg)

Ayla Cannon (freshman, Sandburg)

Ava Wright (freshman, Sauk Valley)

Ella Sibert (freshman, Illinois Valley)

Katie Bates (sophomore, Illinois Valley)

Maggie Drew (sophomore, Highland)

Cadence Stonitsch (sophomore, Sauk Valley)

Coaches of the Year: Todd Winkler (Sandburg), Jay Howell (Sauk Valley)

2023 ARROWHEAD CONFERENCE VOLLEYBALL STANDINGS

Sandburg 9-1

Sauk Valley 9-1

Illinois Valley 6-4

Highland 4-6

Black Hawk 2-8

Kishwaukee 0-10