Bartnicki to provide Warriors with offensive spark
By Matt Oliver
DES PLAINES, Illinois – Coming off a successful junior college career, Rebecca Bartnicki is prepared to be a difference maker as she continues her playing days as a member of the Waldorf University volleyball team.
Bartnicki, 6-foot-1 middle hitter who spent the past two seasons playing at Oakton Community College, signed a letter of intent with the Warriors on March 30.
“Rebecca will bring a huge offensive presence in the middle for us this fall,” Waldorf coach Paul Meyer said. “She is an explosive player, who can put the ball on the floor as well as put up a huge block.”
A Chicago native, Bartnicki is a 2014 Guerin College Preparatory High School graduate. She was a three-year varsity letter winner and started for the Gators during her final two seasons. Bartnicki was named an all-Suburban Christian Conference (SCC) selection during her junior and senior years.
After a solid junior college career at Oakton, Bartnicki is excited to further her career at Waldorf where she wants to be pushed to succeed by her teammates and coaches.
“It means a lot to me to continue to play the sport I love,” Bartnicki said. “It also feels great to play with competitive teammates.”
Bartnicki is the daughter of Louise and Phil Bartnicki. She will pursue a biology degree at Waldorf, and said she chose to attend the university due to its coaches, faculty and staff. The welcoming atmosphere and opportunity to build relationships also led her to join the Warriors.
“I always say that the people make the place, and that is what I feel sells a school,” Bartnicki said. “I also love the small hometown feeling, and I look forward to making new friends.”
The seventh member of Waldorf’s 2016-17 recruiting class, Bartnicki joins Ellsworth Community College transfer April Jones; Ridgeland, Wisconsin native Kyra Platzek and four incoming freshmen from Minnesota – Nicollett’s Mindy Poehler, LeRoy-Ostrander’s Sammi Siskow, Hayfield’s Savanna Cordle and Austin’s Kelsey Sederquest.
Prior to playing at Oakton, Bartnicki was on the Warriors’ radar.
“We recruited Rebecca, who was an outstanding player out of high school,” Meyer said. “She has worked hard over the past two years after she decided to stay close to home and attend a junior college.”
Bartnicki earned all-Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference honors during the 2014 season. In her final year at Oakton, she led the Owls with 295 kills, a .351 hitting percentage, 230 digs, 37 service aces and 34 blocks.
“She has progressed from an outstanding prospect to a dominant front-row player,” Meyer said. “Her attitude and work ethic are exceptional, to go along with her experience. She will add a big piece to our team this fall.”