Arizona Coach Becky Burke Addresses Backlash Over Pregnancy Announcement

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona women's basketball head coach Becky Burke has spoken out against the backlash she received following her announcement about her wife's pregnancy on social media. The post, shared on Monday, was met with a deluge of negative remarks, particularly from those upset about the couple's same-sex relationship.

On Wednesday, Burke shared an update, expressing her disappointment over the hateful comments that accompanied their joyful news. "Yesterday, my wife and I shared the news that we are expecting a baby," she wrote. "Unfortunately, the announcement also brought some of the most hateful comments we’ve ever seen. While we knew sharing our lives publicly would come with opinions, it’s been disappointing to see so much negativity directed at what is one of the happiest moments of our lives."

As she embarks on her second season as Arizona's coach, Burke revealed a photo with her wife, Savannah, and their son, announcing that they are expecting a daughter in December. In a statement on X, she emphasized, “Our happiness isn't yours to approve.”

Burke acknowledged the possibility of removing her post to avoid the backlash, but reaffirmed her commitment to authenticity. "Maybe it would have been easier to take my post down. To be ashamed," she stated. “But if you think that, you clearly don’t know me. I will not let hate win. I will stand up and speak for those in our community who can’t. At the end of the day, this isn’t about politics or proving a point. My focus will remain where it belongs: on my growing family, our incredible support system and continuing to live authentically.”

In her inaugural season, Burke led the Arizona team to a 12-18 record after previously coaching at Buffalo for three years.