More than an Athlete: Abby Bertram
Photo by Taylor Baker.
Senior communication major Abby Bertram has been a consistent force on the women’s basketball team since her freshman year, scoring well over 1,000 points in her career and racking up plenty of awards along the way. Yet for all of her on-court accomplishments, Bertram has done plenty off the court as well.
“She’s very involved,” said Marty Rowe, head coach of the Lady Flames. “You see some athletes fly under the radar. It’s hard for her to – with her personality, her smile and the way she carries herself. It’s hard for her to fly under the radar, and I think she’s embraced that. She’s been a positive student-athlete for people to see that you can work really hard on the court, but you can also be a viable part of the school community as well.”
During her time at Lee, Bertram has been involved in several activities outside of basketball. She has been a part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, worked for Media Services and Lee Update and currently serves as Social Media Chair for the Student Athlete Advisory Council.
Bertram filming Lee Update. Photo by Taylor Baker.
Bertram with a friend made on the team’s trip to the Dominican Republic. Photo courtesy of Abby Bertram.
This summer, Bertram was involved with her team’s eight-day cross-cultural trip to the Dominican Republic. The trip included everything from service work with orphanages and women’s homes to playing a basketball game against the Dominican National Team.
“It was just amazing,” said Bertram. “It was a huge experience just meeting people in that culture. I still stay in touch with one of the girls that played with the National Team. We talk all the time, so it’s an ongoing experience for me.”
Since returning for her last season as a Flame, Bertram has seen her role change. She and the five other seniors are now viewed as leaders of the team. This is a role Bertram has embraced throughout the season.
Photo courtesy of Lee Flames.
“We have a lot of leaders on the team,” said Bertram. “Being in that leadership role and having teammates that are willing to listen to us [seniors] — that really helps the team.”
Coach Rowe has noticed Bertram’s growth as a leader as well.
“She’s been a great leader,” said Rowe. “She’s a positive leader, always wanting everyone to succeed. If you watch her on the sideline, she has as much joy when someone getting in late does something good as she would if she did it herself.”
“Abby has an engaging personality and a charisma that attracts people to her,” said Asher Greiner, the team’s graduate assistant.
While still considering options for her future, Bertram says her experience at Lee has prepared her for whatever is yet to come. Coach Rowe holds that same belief in Bertram.
“When she gets out of here, she’s going to do great things before it’s all said and done,” said Rowe.
