Elmhurst University Athletics

A 1986 graduate, Birdsey is one of only two Bluejays to play on Elmhurst's 1983 and 1985 NCAA Division III National Championship teams. After serving as a valuable substitute in 1982 and 1983, Birdsey missed the 1984 season due to injuries. The 5-10 middle hitter returned for her senior year to provide maturity to the young Bluejay squad. Birdsey was named to the 1985 NCAA Division III Russell Athletic All-American second team as chosen by the Collegiate Volleyball Coaches Association (CVCA) and was a second-team 1985 NCAA Division III National Championship All-Tournament selection. In national tournament play, Birdsey led Elmhurst in blocked shots (10) and service aces (5), and hit .254 (17 kills/3 errors/55 attempts).