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Burzynski was a standout shortstop at Frankenmuth high school before playing four years of collegiate softball at Central Michigan University. Since graduating from CMU in 2002, Burzynski has coached four years of JV softball at Owosso in addition to holding down the varsity coaching post in girls' basketball at the same school..

"Softball is my passion. I love playing and coaching the sport," says Burzynski. "(Owosso Varsity) Coach (JoEllen) Smith let me work with the younger kids at Owosso, where I taught the basics of the game and put on quite a few clinics, so I know what it takes to build a strong program."

Burzynski, who takes over for Hall of Fame Coach Wayne Scanlon at Chesaning, says the opportunity to coach at Chesaning was simply too enticing to turn down, and well worth the drive from Owosso to Chesaning.

"It appears that there won't be a change in coaches anytime soon at Owosso, and I wanted to be in charge of a program, so I'm very excited to have this opportunity," Burzynski commented. "I'm eager to take on the challenge of running a softball program."

Burzynski says that one major advancement in Chesaning's softball program will be the establishment of a Junior High program for the first time. Although the team will be called a club, the youngsters will be able to compete against other TVC "clubs" and receive instruction on a regular basis throughout the spring.

Burzynski is also excited by what she sees in her 2007 varsity squad, which returns 10 players from last year's team.

"We have seven seniors, three juniors and two sophomores on this year's team, and I am very impressed by how athletic and knowledgeable these kids are," concluded Burzynski. "We are really looking forward to this season."

Chesaning will open its season on Tuesday, April 10 with a doubleheader at Frankenmuth.