Roberto Burlew begins professional career
December 01, 2025 | Men's Soccer
Badger defender signs with Sarasota Paradise
MADISON, Wis. -- Former Badger Roberto Burlew signed his first professional soccer contract with Sarasota Paradise last week, ahead of the club's inaugural USL League One season.
Burlew transferred to Wisconsin for the 2024 season, and in his one year for UW, made an immediate impact on the back line, starting in all 15 games for the Badgers and leading the team in minutes played. The graduate student tallied four points throughout the 2024 season on four assists.Â
Burlew started his collegiate career at Northern Kentucky, earning All-Horizon League Freshman team, All-Horizon League Tournament team, and Second Team All-Horizon League honors throughout his four seasons with the Norse. The defender tallied 17 points (5 goals, 7 assists) in over 5,000 minutes played during his career at NKU.
The Cincinnati native, who helped Sarasota Paradise win the Division title in USL League Two in 2025, returns to the club on a professional contract ahead of the 2026 season. Burlew will be a part of the club's first professional season in USL League One.
