Doris Sable Burke

Doris Sable Burke’s athletic journey began on the courts of Manasquan and grew into a career that reached the highest levels of college and professional basketball.

A member of the Manasquan High School Class of 1983, Burke was a standout in both basketball and softball. On the basketball court, she became one of the greatest players in school history. During her senior season, she led Dick Johnson’s Warriors to the Shore Conference Tournament title, earned her second All-Shore selection, and became Manasquan’s all-time leading scorer, finishing her career with 1,384 points. She was also named Manasquan’s most outstanding women’s basketball player.

Burke continued her playing career at Providence College, where she quickly established herself as one of the top players in the Big East. In 1984, she was named to the Big East All-Rookie Team. As a Lady Friar, she became a three-time Big East Player of the Week, a two-time member of the Big East All-Tournament Team, and in 1987 earned All-Big East and Kodak District All-American honors.

By the end of her Providence career, Burke held seven school career records, including records for points scored, free throws made and attempted, and assists. She became widely regarded as one of Providence’s greatest playmakers.

After her playing career, Burke became a trailblazer in sports broadcasting. Applying her point guard’s perspective to game analysis, she broke barriers throughout the industry. She became the only woman to ever broadcast a New York Knicks game and the first woman to call a Big East men’s basketball game. She was also an original member of the WNBA broadcast team, beginning as a radio analyst for the New York Liberty in 1997.

Burke went on to become a leading analyst for ESPN Sports, with appearances across ESPN2, CBS, MSG, and NESN. Her accomplishments have earned her induction into the Providence College Athletic Hall of Fame, the Institute for International Sport Scholar-Athlete Hall of Fame, and the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. She was also awarded an honorary doctorate from Providence College.

Doris Sable Burke’s Hall of Fame recognition honors a remarkable career as a Manasquan athlete, Providence College star, and pioneering figure in basketball broadcasting.