The tragic passing of Katlin Burger, a beloved 2025 graduate of the UVA Wise Women’s Basketball program, has left the community of Walland, Tennessee, and beyond in mourning. Katlin died recently in a devastating single-vehicle accident near Maryville, Tennessee, just weeks after embarking on her promising career as a special education teacher at Cumberland Gap High School. She was 23.
A proud alumna of Heritage High School, Katlin’s small-town values shaped her life both on and off the court. Her time at UVA Wise was marked not just by her athletic prowess, but by her embodiment of the team-first motto “V over Me.” Coaches and teammates alike celebrated her selflessness, noting that Katlin’s impact extended far beyond game stats. Whether on the court or in daily life, she was known for her infectious laughter, her compassionate nature, and her unwavering ability to uplift others.
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Her transition into the classroom only solidified her legacy of service. In her short time at Cumberland Gap High School, Katlin made a profound difference in the lives of her special education students. Her colleagues and students recall her quiet strength and kindness—she didn’t seek the spotlight, yet she was a beacon of hope and support for every child she taught. Through her patience, encouragement, and empathy, Katlin taught lessons in resilience, self-worth, and the importance of believing in oneself.
The news of her untimely passing has shaken both the UVA Wise community and the local region. Those who knew her have lost more than a friend, teammate, or colleague; they have lost a mentor and a source of constant positivity. The UVA Wise Women’s Basketball program, where she made lasting contributions, said it best: “Her selflessness, energy, and compassion will forever be part of our legacy.”
In reflecting on Katlin’s life, her family, friends, and those whose lives she touched find comfort in the enduring mark she left on the world. While her physical presence is no longer with us, the lessons she imparted—the genuine care, the belief in others, and the ability to make people feel seen—will continue to inspire.
Katlin Burger may have left this world too soon, but her spirit, her smile, and her legacy will forever guide those who were lucky enough to know her. Rest peacefully, Katlin. You will never be forgotten.