Loyola College Prep Senior Signs with Louisiana Tech Soccer

Mary Helen Burford officially signed to play Division 1 soccer with Louisiana Tech today. Burford is a senior at Loyola College Prep and has been a star player for the Flyers since she was a sophomore.

“Mary Helen is the most driven and hardest working player I have had the privilege to coach at Loyola,” said Mark Matlock, head girls soccer coach. “She has dedicated herself to reaching her goals through relentless training, prioritizing her fitness, and by supporting that with a disciplined nutritional program.”

Burford has had a huge impact on the soccer program, Matlock said, including leading the Flyers to the 2022 State Championship as the game’s Most Outstanding Player. 

Not only is she spectacular on the field, but she is also an outstanding student in the classroom maintaining straight A’s and several academic achievements. 

“Mary Helen is what we hope all Flyers will strive to be,” said John LeBlanc, Principal. “She is an extremely talented athlete and student, but she is also a kind and compassionate classmate who strives for excellence in all she does.”

Other accolades include: 2022 All State 1st Team, 2022 DIII State Finals Most Outstanding Player, 2023 All State 1st Team, 2023 Upper 90 Club (Consensus All State Picks), 2023 DIV District I Defensive MVP.

Burford will be one of only two Louisiana players on the Tech Bulldog roster next year. The other is Matlock’s daughter, Kalli Matlock who graduated from Loyola in 2020.

“I could not be more proud of Mary Helen for all the work she has put towards achieving her dream of playing Division 1 college soccer!” said Matlock.