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Panthers' scoring machine prefers aiding teammates

Natalie Burnett has surpassed 100 career goals, but doesn't hog the ball or limelight.

By DAWN REISS
Published December 20, 2006

LECANTO - Natalie Burnett doesn't like to be in the spotlight. She would rather give it to someone else.

"I feel most comfortable when I'm not the center of attention," Burnett said. "I like to be the playmaker rather than the scorer."

On a quiet Tuesday afternoon, it was hard to tell the senior had scored her 100th career goal just hours earlier in Lecanto's 4-0 win over Central.

"I wasn't really keeping track," said Burnett, who has a 4.5 grade point average and hopes to be a genetics medical researcher. "I'm really excited and thankful. My team was as much a part of it as I was."

The goal came off a left-footed shot from inside the 18 and hit off the left post, zinging by the keeper. Burnett, who finished the game with two goals, is three away from Lecanto's all-time career scoring total of 104, set by Amber Gidden, a 2003 graduate. Tuesday's performance bolstered Burnett's scoring total to 32 goals and 18 assists, 11 goals shy of Lecanto's season scoring record of 43 set by Gidden in 2003.

Last year Maggie Mueller led the Panthers with 32 goals and 14 assists, while Burnett amassed 24 goals and 18 assists.

Burnett isn't sure why she is scoring more rapidly this season. But she has changed a few things since last season. She moved from center forward to right side, which allows her to cross more often. She also ramped up her offseason conditioning and opted out of cross country to prepare for the soccer season.

"Last year I felt like I had the potential to score. I used to be hesitant instead of going to the net. I guess this year, I've taken to heart that I can score," Burnett said.

She also practiced with boys teams her freshman and junior years. "On the boys team I didn't have a chance to score very often," Burnett said. "And I hate to say it, but it's faster-paced. The girls teams scrimmage more and the boys do drills. Just simple drills and I love simplicity."

Burnett, 17, went back to the basics in the summer, practicing her juggling and dribbling and passing through cones in her front yard. "You can do so much with so little," she said.

It quickly showed. During Lecanto's first game against North Marion, she scored a record seven goals.

It has helped that Mueller, who has 16 goals and five assists, feeds Burnett the ball and vice versa. The pair has helped Lecanto go 11-4-2 and 8-2-1 in Class 4A, District 6. Still, Burnett said she would be okay with not scoring as much as long as the team wins.

"I still like assisting more," Burnett said. "I feel more useful. Sure it's a lot of fun to put the ball in the back of the net, but without a team, it's nothing."

Dawn Reiss can be reached at 352 860-7303 or dreiss@sptimes.com

[Last modified December 20, 2006, 02:47:52]