University of West Alabama

Rebecca (Orton) Bjornson '85 was a highly accomplished four-year starter for the St. Kate's varsity volleyball program. During Rebecca's first year with the team (the 1981-82 season) she helped the squad to a second place finish in the MAIAW State Tournament and a first place finish in the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) Regional Tournament. The regional championship earned the team the right to compete at the AIAW National Championship.

During the 1982-83 season Orton-Bjornson continued to be a powerful force for the Katies. She led the team to another MAIAW Championship and she was selected to the All-State tournament team for her performance.  After another successful run through the regional tournament, the team made yet another trip to the AIAW National Tournament.

In 1983, with the NCAA taking control of the AIAW, the College of St. Catherine joined the MIAC and Division III athletics. The shifting structure did little to upset the success of Bjornson and the rest of the St. Kate's volleyball team. The team went unbeaten in conference play (10-0) and earned the schools first MIAC conference crown. Bjornson was honored for her efforts as well and she became the first St. Catherine athlete to receive MIAC All-Conference honors. The 1983 volleyball team ended the season ranked fifth in the nation for NCAA Division III and made another trip to the national tournament. This time it was the NCAA Division III National Championships, rather than the AIAW.  Making it the first NCAA national appearance by any team at St. Kate’s. 

When her St. Kate's volleyball career ended Bjornson had amassed a 124-47 team record, she had made three trips to the national tournament, and she had earned all-state and all-conference honors.