Bethel Park native named Bethany College head coach
Jonna Burke realized a long-time professional goal when she was named head coach of the women’s basketball team at Bethany College.
The Bethel Park native brings more than 35 years of experience and success to the Bisons.
“I am truly honored and humbled to become the next women’s basketball coach at Bethany College,” said Burke.
“Coaching at the collegiate level has long been a professional goal of mine, and I am grateful for the trust the administration has placed in me. I look forward to investing in our student-athletes both on and off the court and building a championship culture founded on relationships, integrity, and hard work. I’m excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to begin this journey with our team and the entire Bethany community.”
The Bethany College administration is pleased to have Burke at the helm. Bison Director of Athletics Jen Windmiller announced the appointment on June 26.
“We are proud to welcome Jonna as the next leader of our women’s basketball program,” said Windmiller. “Throughout her career, Jonna has demonstrated a proven ability to build winning teams, develop meaningful relationships with her student-athletes, and create a culture of excellence. We are excited for her to bring that experience and leadership to Bethany as we continue moving our program forward.”
Over her career, Burke compiled a 597-220 record that featured multiple section banners, three WPIAL championships and one state runner-up finish across three Western Pennsylvania high schools.
Most recently, she coached at Shady Side Academy. In five seasons, from 2021-26, she posted a 114-24 record. The Panthers won two Class 3A titles in 2024 and 2026. They were PIAA state finalists in 2025.
While Burke began her coaching tenure at Butler, amassing a 123-100 record that included a section banner and four PIAA quarterfinal appearances from 1995-2003, she spent the bulk of her career at her alma mater.
In 18 seasons at the helm, Burke guided the Lady Black Hawks to the playoffs every year from 2003-2021. Bethel Park captured its first and only WPIAL crown in 2013 by virtue of a 47-43 win over Chartiers Valley.
During her coaching run at Bethel Park the Lady Hawks won 360 games and lost only 107 times. They made 14 district semifinal appearances and earned three runner-up WPIAL trophies.
In addition to the WPIAL championships, the 500th career coaching win ranks among Burke’s fondest memories. She cemented her claim as one of the winningest coaches in WPIAL history on Jan. 3, 2023 when Shady Side Academy defeated Apollo-Ridge, 66-34. At the time, only four other active coaches in the WPIAL had achieved the milestone.
“(Winning the 500th) was awesome and it was nice what people did,” she said of the post-game ceremony, which included a presentation of the game ball, cake, balloons and flowers. “That will be forever etched in my brain as are those WPIAL teams and appearances. The magnitude of those games and the bigger the games are, those are the ones you remember most.”
Burke added that she felt lucky to have been in the places she coached previously because she was surrounded by great kids and families.
Bethel Park has always been family and home for Burke. She married a fellow Bethel Park alum, Casey, and the pair resided in the municipality while parenting their two children, Logan and Tanner.
Burke had an outstanding playing career that landed her induction into several Hall of Fames, including her alma mater, the WPIAL and the Western Pennsylvania Sports honored homes.
During her scholastic career at Bethel Park, Burke scored 1,625 points that included a then record 42 in one game. As a senior, she averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds per game. As a junior her numbers were 20 points and 10 rebounds an outing.
Burke then matriculated to the University of Pittsburgh. For the Panthers, she totaled 1,807 points, 954 rebounds and 224 steals. After being named Big East Rookie of the Year, she went on to gain All-Conference (twice) and All-America acclaim. Tabbed as an ACC Legend of the Game in 2016, she still ranks in Pitt’s Top 10 for scoring, rebounding, steals and assists.
Burke earned a Bachelor of Arts in English writing from the University of Pittsburgh in 1994. The following year, she earned a Master of Education degree from Pitt.
Burke takes on a Bethany program that finished third in the President’s Athletic Conference behind South Division co-champions, Washington and Jefferson and Saint Vincent with an 11-5 record. The Bison were 17-10 overall after losing to the Bearcats, 78-60, in the semifinals of the conference playoffs.