Ellen Bartuska

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Ellen graduated in 1990 from John S. Fine High School in Nanticoke, where she played and lettered in basketball, softball and volleyball. She is a member of the undefeated 1990 Pennsylvania AAA championship girls’ basketball team and finished her high school career with 1,286 points. She was selected to the Coaches’ All-Star Team by both Wilkes-Barre newspapers, The Times Leader and the Citizen’s Voice. Outside of her high school athletic career, she was a five time participant in basketball at the Keystone State Games. Ellen was an officer in the John S. Fine chapter of the National Honor Society…She graduated with the highest grade point average among girls and was third overall in her class. She accepted a scholarship to play basketball at the University of Richmond (VA) and was the first Trojanette basketball player to receive a full scholarship to a Division I college. Ellen earned a starting position as a freshman and helped take the team to the 1991 NCAA Championship Tournament. At the conclusion of that season, Ellen tried out for the 1992 U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Team. As a senior, Ellen was voted co-captain of the 1993-1994 squad by her teammates. Several times throughout her years as a Richmond Spider, Ellen was selected as the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) conference “Player of the Week.” In addition to her basketball accolades, Ellen was also recognized for her academic achievements, most notably making the University of Richmond Dean’s List and being named by both the University of Richmond and the CAA as a “Scholar Athlete.” After receiving her degree in biology, she pursued a career in the field of zoology while continuing to play basketball. In 2003, she played professionally in the Women’s Eastern Basketball Alliance for the now defunct Delaware Express. She also played recreationally for several years in various women’s basketball leagues. Ellen enjoys running and has participated in many half marathons, 10 milers and 5K races in Delaware and the Philadelphia area. She is the daughter of Peter and Barbara Bartuska of Nanticoke, PA. Ellen currently resides in Delaware and enjoys working as zookeeper at the Philadelphia Zoo where she has been employed for the past 15 years.