Burke came to Wabash from Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri, where he served the past four seasons as the first assistant coach, defensive and goalie coach, and recruiting coordinator for the mens lacrosse program. The Saints were ranked as high as 12th nationally in 2021 and ranked sixth among NCAA Division II schools in man-down defense (eight goals against in 44 attempts), 11th in scoring defense (8.46 goals allowed), and 16th in caused turnovers (9.92 per game). The Saints have earned berths in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Tournament in three of Burkes four seasons as an assistant. Burke coached the 2019 GLVC Mens Lacrosse Player of the Year and the 2021 GLVC Freshman of the Year. A total of nine Maryville players earned All-GLVC honors for the 2021 campaign. The Saints were ranked 17th in the nation in 2019 and led the nation in caused turnovers.

Burke spent two seasons as a volunteer assistant coach at Saint Leo University in Florida before joining the NCAA Division II program as a player. Burke served as team captain as a senior and helped the Lions earn a Sunshine State Conference tournament appearance in 2016. Burke also served as the Student Veterans of America President while at Saint Leo.

A native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Burke won three divisional championships as a member of the First Colonial Lacrosse Club.

Burke served as a member of the United States Marine Corps for five years. He rose to the rank of corporal and received a Purple Heart after being wounded in combat in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.