The United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) has announced the hiring of BJ Bertges as the Director of Championships and Development. Bertges will be overseeing planning for all championship events, ensuring tournament guidelines and sponsorship contracts. She will also develop and implement ongoing strategic plans aimed at enhancing the association’s championship events and publicity efforts.
BJ is one of the most experienced candidates when it comes to history with the USCAA. She has history working the Fall Championships Week, Basketball National Championships, and the Small College World Series. “BJ has both the knowledge and experience with working USCAA championship events and we are more than excited to welcome her into the position of Director of Championships and Development” states USCAA Executive Director Matthew Simms. “She will be the first female to serve in this role for the USCAA and we are confident that her past experiences make her the right person for the position. She will improve the quality of our Championships and student-athlete experience.”
Bertges will be leaving Penn State Beaver Athletics where she was the Assistant Athletic Director and the Head Volleyball Coach. As the Assistant Athletic Director on campus, Bertges managed the Wellness Center, ran Intramural programs, oversaw the athletic website and social media and was the advisor of the Varsity Clubs on campus. She also served as the Head Volleyball Coach for eight seasons. During her time at the Head Coach level, she led her team to six consecutive post-season appearances. Bertges held a career record of 102-98 and a conference record of 69-37.
Bertges was a dual sport athlete at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg for four years serving as a captain in both volleyball and softball. As a volleyball player she earned All-Conference honors her senior season, and was the only player in the program’s history in the top five of the four major statistical categories (kills, blocks, aces and assists). After completing her undergrad at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, she went on to play for the Pittsburgh Passion, a professional women’s full contact football team. She was part of the 2007 National Championship team who was also undefeated that year om the NWFL. BJ received her Master’s Degree in Sports Management from California University of Pennsylvania.
“I am excited about the opportunity to work with Matt and the USCAA staff” Bertges states. “This opportunity not only allows me the chances to continue to enhance the student athlete experience at the next level, but it’s also an opportunity for professional growth as well.”
Bertges is set to begin her duty with the USCAA on September 24. She can be reached by email at that time at bj.bertges@theuscaa.com or at the USCAA national office at 757.706.3756. For more information on the USCAA staff and a complete phone and email directory, go to http://www.theuscaa.com/information/staff/index.