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Doris Burke ends glorious run in women’s hoops coverage

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 16: Doris Burke attends the game between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Six of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 16, 2016 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 16: Doris Burke attends the game between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Six of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 16, 2016 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

A figure synonymous with women’s basketball coverage has ended an illustrious chapter.

On Monday, Doris Burke announced that she will step down from women’s basketball assignments on ESPN. She will still be involved in the network’s NBA and men’s basketball coverage, but the 2017 Women’s Final Four that saw South Carolina win its first national championship concluded Burke’s 17-year association with the event.

“For the last several years, for many reasons, at this time of year, I am convinced I have worked the Women’s Final Four for the last time,” Burke said in a statement published by ESPN. “It is my feelings for the people on the event and my love for the game that kept me coming back. But it is time.”

A beloved personality, Burke was part of ESPN’s coverage of the Women’s Final Four for the last 15 years. Each assignment displayed her tremendous insight and preparation. She also brought a dose of tranquility; she refused to be overwhelmed by the mayhem of Morgan William’s buzzer-beater that lifted Mississippi State past UConn on Friday.

Burke’s history with women’s basketball coverage extended to the WNBA, and she expressed her gratitude for the stories and people she met through the sport.

“As I continue my own journey at ESPN…I am confident women’s basketball is in good hands, on-and-off the court. This special community is always going to be a part of everything I do, and I am forever grateful for all it has given me,” she said.

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