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Parkway senior Brittyn Bruns, center, will attend the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne and play volleyball for the Cougars next season.
ROCKFORD - Brittyn Bruns' choice to go to the University of Saint Francis for volleyball was not just based on who was already at the NAIA school located in Fort Wayne, but also who was going to join her.
"I know a couple of other girls going there. I played with Karlee Buschur and Morgan Baumer in the past, and they're also going there," Bruns said at her signing day. "I played with them in club volleyball, and even though we are big rivals in the (Midwest Athletic Conference), we get along so well, even on the court. It's very competitive but friendship is more important."
In addition to Bruns, Buschur and Morgan Baumer, Fort Recovery graduate Teigen Fortkamp will be starting her junior season after earning honorable mention All-Crossroads League this past season.
Bruns, who will study nursing, made it official Monday afternoon as she announced her decision to play for the Cougars. Her final Parkway season ended with a memorable win over Coldwater in that year's district semifinal en route to a district title trip.
Playing in all 84 sets this season, Bruns averaged 3.9 kills per set and 4.3 assists per set with 37 service aces. In addition to first team All-MAC honors, Bruns was a first team All-Ohio selection in Division VI by the Ohio High School Volleyball Coaches Association.
"I'm grateful for every moment, because there's been a lot of ups and downs and I've learned so much; from starting off as a manager to junior high and high school, and I am grateful for everything," Bruns said.
Bruns has a strong bloodline for playing college volleyball. Her mother Brandi (Stover) was a two-time Division III All-American for Ohio Northern in 2000 and 2001 and ranks second all-time in assists with single-match best of 81 assists still the most in team history.
Saint Francis competes in the Crossroads League and is led by 12-year veteran coach Scott Haddix. The Cougars finished 4-26 last year but are looking to get back to competing in the conference.
"I love coach Haddix and I met some of the girls at a camp. I liked everyone on the team," Bruns said.
