Kara Bartels

Position:
Center
Height:
6-3
Class:
Junior
Hometown:
West Olive, Mich.
High School:
Zeeland West

2023-25 at Lansing Community College: Transferred to Central Michigan after two seasons at NJCAA II Lansing Community College (LCC) of the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) … 2025 NJCAA II All-American Second Team, All-Region XII … two-time MCCAA Western Conference Player of the Year and All-MCCAA First Team … led the Stars to a 51-12 (24-2 MCCAA) record and back-to-back Great Lakes District Championship finals … averaged 16.4 points (49.4 FG%), 9.3 rebounds and 3.4 blocks over 63 games, made 56 starts … led the Stars in points, rebounds and blocks both seasons … tallied 26 double-doubles, including career highs of 36 points, 19 rebounds (2/15/25 at Lake Michigan College) … recorded career-high 13 blocks with 11 points (2/19/25 vs. Southwestern Michigan) … thirteen games with five-plus blocks

High School: Graduated from Zeeland West High School in 2023 as a four-year varsity girls basketball player … two-time first-team All-Ottawa-Kent (OK) Conference selection

Club: Played with the Michigan Basketball Association from 2017-23

Personal: Daughter of Linnette and Brian Bartels … has two older brothers, Keith and Brendan … her aunt, Kristen Rasmussen, played basketball at Michigan State then in the WNBA from 2000-08 … enjoys cooking, going on walks with her dog … used to do mountain bike races with her father, Brian

Why CMU?: “The coaches and the team were incredibly welcoming from the start. They made me feel like I was already a part of the family and that stood out to me! It was clear the coaches truly cared about their players not only as athletes but as people.

“Another big reason was the strong focus on academics. I was really impressed by how many resources are available to help students succeed. It is comforting to know that there are so many people who want to see you do well not only on the court but also in the classroom.”