Oakton’s Bartnicki to Continue Volleyball Career at Waldorf University
(June 9, 2016) Oakton Community College three-sport-standout Rebecca Bartnicki (Chicago, Guerin College Preparatory High School) plans on continuing her playing career as a member of the Waldorf University (Forest City, Iowa) volleyball team. Bartnicki, who spent the past two seasons as a starter playing middle hitter for the Oakton Owls, recently signed a letter of intent with the Warriors, a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
In her final season for the Owls, she led the team with 295 kills, a .351 hitting percentage, 230 digs, 37 aces and 34 blocks. She also led National Junior College Collegiate Conference (NJCAA) Region IV in kills per set (4.92) and points per set (6.0). During the 2014 season, Bartnicki, was named to the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference (ISCC) All-Conference Volleyball First Team.
In addition to volleyball, Bartnicki excelled at basketball and softball at Oakton. She was a two-year starter for the women’s basketball team retiring with 780 total points, placing in her in the top-10 all-time leading scorers at the college. During the 2015-16 season for the Owls, she averaged 14.3 rebounds and 13.4 points per game. Bartnicki also was selected to the ISCC Women’s Basketball First Team and the NJCAA Region IV Division II District D All-Region Women’s Basketball Second Team. For the softball team, she started two seasons playing first base.
Bartnicki, who plans on studying biology education, said that she chose Waldorf because of its coaches, faculty and staff, along with the university’s welcoming atmosphere.
“It means a lot to me to continue to play the sport I love,” she said. “Also, it will be great to play with competitive teammates. I always say the people make the place and that is what I feel sells a school.”
Paul Meyer, Waldorf University head volleyball coach, said Bartnicki has long been on his program’s radar.
“We recruited Rebecca, who was an outstanding player out of high school,” he said. “She has worked hard over the past two years after she decided to stay close to home and attend a junior college.”
Meyer is excited to see what the 6-foot-1 player can do on the court for the Warriors.
“Rebecca will bring a huge offensive presence in the middle for us this fall,” he said. “She is an explosive player who can put the ball on the floor as well as put up a huge block. Her attitude and work ethic are exceptional, to go along with her experience.”
