News Summary
Braden Burress, a freshman baseball player at East Carolina University, has risen from walk-on status to securing a full scholarship following an impressive season. With a .389 batting average and significant contributions to the team, Burress has showcased his potential. His success is attributed to his resilience despite initial challenges and the changing landscape of ECU’s baseball scholarship limits, now expanded to 25 full scholarships. Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Burress is expected to take on a key role in the team’s batting lineup.
GREENVILLE, N.C. – Freshman baseball player Braden Burress has made waves at East Carolina University (ECU) following a remarkable 2025 season, securing a full scholarship after initially joining the team as a walk-on. His performance on the field during his first year has not only showcased his talent but has also underscored the potential within the Pirates’ baseball program.
Burress, a native of Snow Hill, N.C., graduated from Greene Central High School, where he displayed impressive skills on the diamond. Despite facing financial hardships, Burress was determined to pursue his dream of playing for ECU, even after head coach Cliff Godwin expressed concerns about the program’s situation and initially advised him against joining the team. Undeterred, Burress began his college journey self-funded as a walk-on player in 2025.
Throughout the season, Burress emerged as a standout player, earning recognition as a Freshman All-American. He posted a batting average of .389, leading the team, and boasted a .986 OPS. His contributions were significant, with 11 doubles, four home runs, and a total of 33 RBIs. Additionally, Burress demonstrated his speed on the basepaths with 18 stolen bases in 22 attempts. His eye for the strike zone also allowed him to accumulate 31 walks along with being hit by pitches 11 times, although he did strike out 26 times over the course of the season.
Burress began the season strong, collecting two hits in his first collegiate game. However, his next outing presented challenges, as he struggled with four strikeouts. As a result, he found himself starting only one of the following 11 games. Nevertheless, Burress turned his fortunes around, solidifying his place in the starting lineup starting March 9 against Coastal Carolina. From that point forward, he became a regular starter, participating in either the outfield or infield.
The culmination of Burress’s efforts came when he was awarded a full scholarship, marking a significant transition from walk-on to scholarship player. This achievement coincides with a notable shift in East Carolina’s baseball program, which recently expanded its scholarship limits from the previous 11.7 total to a new cap of 25 full scholarships, according to NCAA guidelines.
As he eyes the 2026 season, Burress is expected to play primarily at second base, a position more suited to his skills. He is likely to continue functioning as the team’s leadoff hitter, playing a crucial role in the Pirates’ batting lineup.
Burress’s success story is echoed by fellow former walk-on Jack Herring, who also received a full scholarship after his significant contributions to the team. Together, they illustrate the potential for growth and opportunity within the program.
Notably, Burress’s resilience and commitment to self-improvement throughout the season have established him as a vital component of the Pirates’ baseball team. Under Coach Godwin’s leadership, Burress’s journey reflects the depth of talent and the promise held within the ECU baseball program, inspiring hope for future seasons.
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Additional Resources
- 247Sports: Braden Burress Granted Full Scholarship
- ECU Pirates: Braden Burress Player Profile
- ECU Pirates: Burress Named First-Team Freshman All-American
- WCTI12: Braden Burress Shines for ECU
- Reflector: Burress Earns First Team All-American Nod
- Wikipedia: Baseball
- Google Search: Braden Burress
- Google Scholar: Braden Burress
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- Google News: Braden Burress
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
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