For Katarina Burke ’27 of Reading, every pitch, swing, and play tells a story. Her role is to make sure that story is captured accurately
Reading, MA — At Austin Prep, Burke is responsible for tracking live baseball statistics as part of the school’s student-run Baseball Operations program. From the first pitch to the final out, she records each moment in real time, creating a complete statistical record that shows both game progress and how players are performing.
“It’s really just us trying to get our faces into the sports from a more behind-the-scenes look,” Burke said.
Capturing Every Moment of the Game
What began as an interest has grown into a leadership role within the program. Burke now leads statistical tracking using GameChanger, logging pitch-by-pitch data and making real-time decisions on how each play is recorded.
Whether determining if a ball in play is scored as a hit or an error, her decisions directly shape how the game is documented and understood. The role requires focus, a deep understanding of baseball, and the ability to make quick, confident judgments.
“You have to trust your knowledge and make those decisions at a fast pace,” she said.
At Austin Prep, that responsibility is part of a broader system. The Baseball Operations program, led by English faculty member Michelle Flaherty with full support from Head Baseball Coach JP Pollard, gives students hands-on roles in everything from announcing and music to statistics and game management. The experience mirrors the structure of high-level college athletics and places students in real, accountable positions on game day.
Burke is part of a student team that includes Lucas Ortiz ’26, Sophia Fanuele ’26, and Abby Ventullo ’27, each responsible for key elements of the game day experience.
For Burke, the role quickly became something she embraced.
“I think of it as a privilege,” she said.
Providing Insight for Players, Coaches, and Fans
The statistics Burke tracks serve an important purpose beyond the game itself. Her work allows players and coaches to review performance, track progress over time, and better understand the details of each game.
At the same time, those statistics provide parents, fans, and others following along with a clear, real-time picture of what is happening on the field.
Every pitch logged, every play recorded, and every decision made contributes to a complete and accurate account of the game.
Flaherty points to Burke’s consistency and leadership as key to the program’s success.
“She’s just a really strong leader and does pretty much everything,” Flaherty said. “She’s reliable, she follows up, and she brings other students into the program. She’s someone we can count on in any situation.”
Beyond statistics, Burke contributes across multiple areas of game day operations and helps guide younger students in the program.
Through the experience, she has developed skills that extend well beyond baseball, including attention to detail, decision-making under pressure, and confidence in her work.
At Austin Prep, that kind of real-world experience is the goal. Students are not just learning about roles in sports, they are actively doing them.
For Burke, that means being responsible for the details that define each game—and ensuring that every performance is captured, understood, and remembered.
