SARASOTA, Fla. — Sarasota Paradise announced that defender Roberto Burlew is returning to the club as it prepares for its first professional season in USL League One in 2026. Burlew becomes the first player from last year’s squad to make the jump into the club’s professional roster, strengthening the connection between the team that built the foundation and the group that will lead Paradise into its new era. 

Burlew returns after completing a successful fifth year at the University of Wisconsin, where he continued to elevate his game in the Big Ten. He logged the most minutes on the team for the Badgers and recorded four assists during the 2024 season. His time at Wisconsin followed a standout four year career at Northern Kentucky University, where he earned Horizon League All Freshman and All Tournament honors as a first year player, became a consistent starter, played more than 1,400 minutes as a senior, and finished that season with three goals and four assist culminating with a selection to the All-Horizon League Second Team. 

Before college, Burlew played for the FC Cincinnati Academy where he developed through one of the strongest youth pathways in the region. He also starred at Finneytown High School in Cincinnati. 

"It means everything to me to be part of Sarasota Paradise’s first professional roster," said Burlew. "It has been my childhood dream to sign a professional contract and to do it here in a place that already feels like home makes it even more special. I am proud to represent this club and to be part of something historic from the very start. I cannot wait to give everything I have to help bring success to Paradise."

Head Coach and Technical Director Mika Elovaara welcomed Burlew back and shared his thoughts. 

"Continuity is an important aspect of successful organizations, and growth is one of our core values as a club. I am delighted to sign Roberto to his first professional contract after he not only excelled in college but also represented the Paradise successfully, helping the club win the Division title in USL League Two in 2025. Roberto is a hard-working young man who has a great growth mindset, tons of potential and a lot of ambition. I am looking forward to bringing him back to Paradise and working with him day to day as we pursue our ambitions on and off the field together."

Burlew’s return continues to connect the club’s past to its future as Sarasota Paradise builds its first professional roster ahead of the 2026 season.