RUSTON – Mary Helen Burford was named to Conference USA's 2025 All-Academic team, per the league office's release Wednesday morning.
 
The sophomore defender was one of three Bulldogs to start in all 18 matches this season, posting the second-most minutes for LA Tech with a career-high 1,557 minutes. It was her second-straight season playing at least 1,000 minutes with full time played in 13 matches.
 
"Mary Helen exemplifies what a student-athlete is all about," head coach Steve Voltz said about Burford. "She has shown dedication on the field and in the classroom while being a leader on her team. I couldn't be any happier for her to receive this this recognition."
 
The Shreveport native has been a crucial piece for the Bulldogs' back line, providing consistent defensive play as a center back and helping lead Tech to allowing just six goals in their eight CUSA contests.
 
Burford has also been a class act in the classroom, double majoring in biology and psychology with biology serving as her primary focus and carrying a 4.0 GPA. She is the first Bulldog to be named to the All-Academic team since Kalli Matlock and Josie Studer received the honors in 2023.
 
Louisiana Tech has now seen at least one student-athlete receive this recognition in 11 of the previous 13 seasons since joining Conference USA.
 
Burford and the Bulldogs look ahead to opening tournament play on Sunday, November 2 when they face the host Liberty Flames at 10 a.m. CT. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.
 
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