Caitlin attended Cedarburg High School from 1999-2003, during which time she had a truly remarkable career in the sport of tennis.  She was one of only three females in the history of the state to win four consecutive WIAA Division 1 State Singles Championships.  Burke demonstrated her dominance by compiling a 108-0 overall record and never lost a single set during her high school career.  She received several awards during her prep career, including the 2001-2002 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Female Athlete of the Year. 

Burke received a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin, where she appeared in the NCAA Championships every year.  She received First Team All-Big Ten honors in 2005, 2006, and 2007 and was also selected Team Most Valuable Player in each of those seasons.  Burke also excelled in the classroom, earning three straight Academic All-Big Ten honors during each of those seasons.

Burke was a constant fixture in the national polls while competing for the Badgers, appearing 29 times in the FILA Collegiate Rankings.  The highest ranking of her career was at No. 14 during the February 21, 2007 poll, and she finished that season ranked at No. 34.  Burke finished her career with a 65-27 overall record and made a lasting impression on the program.