(12-24-22) Celina’s Payton Bertke announced she would continue her education and volleyball career at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Florida.

She will major in business with an emphasis on sports management.

Bertke pictured with Assistant Coach Breno Ertty and Head Coach Whitney Battoe

Bertke helped the Bulldogs win its second Western Buckeye League (9-0) title in a row and finishing 20-5 overall and reaching the district semifinals for a second straight season. s.

Bertke, a three year starter was named to the second team All-WBL, the past two seasons she was named to the WBL 1st team. Bertke also was named to the District first team in Divisions I-II-III and was selected to play for the West team in the annual District 8 Senior All-Star March.

St. Thomas University is participates in the NAIA and a member of the Sun Conference. During 2022 the Bobcats won both the conference regular season and tournament crowns...and advanced to the National Tournament. Last season the roster included several international players, plus a wide range of players from various US states…but none were from Ohio.

Advertisement