Editor's note: This is part 2 of our series of Whitehall athletes signing to compete at the next level.

Michael Burkhardt will be making the trek to Adrian College to play volleyball. The school is located in Adrian, Michigan, a private liberal arts and sciences college that's located in the southeastern corner of the state.

The Bulldogs will be joining the Midwest Collegiate Volleyball League next season, having spent the previous four years as a club team. It's currently a 14-member league with plans to expand to 16 within the next two years. Here they'll compete in Division III.

They're coming off a successful season in which they posted a 26-17-2 record. The team, coached by Mike Morici, had its season culminate with a fifth place finish in a national tournament that featured teams from all over the country, their final appearance in this Division II tourney.

Burkhardt said that a major factor in deciding upon Adrian was that he had family in the area. They also offer great academic programs, with 40 major majors and pre-professional programs from which to choose. Burkardt will enroll in the Athletic Training Program.

Burkhardt played varsity the last two seasons, spending his senior season as the middle hitter. He played under George Cowitch who lead the Zephs to another District XI appearance. He hopes to either play middle hitter or outside hitter once he settles into the program.

Burkhardt said winning his first district game was the biggest thrill while a member of varsity. They've continually had good teams under Cowitch, reaching the D-11 semifinals this year against Emmaus.

As far as Adrian, he's going in with the attitude of focusing on what he needs to do to improve his game.

"I'm just going to be working hard every day," said Burkhardt. "And also, not taking breaks during practice."

The senior said he's going to go full tilt. It will be the same way in the classroom.

"I just want to do the best I can in school," he said.

Burkhardt said that Adrian's known for its hockey programs, both mens and womens. With casting such a large shadow on campus, he suggested the hockey bug may bite him as well

"Who knows, maybe I'll put on a little weight and go play hockey," he said.

Madison Walker will be attending Moravian College this fall. Once enrolled, she'll become part of the women's soccer team that finished 7-10-1 last season.

The Greyhounds, a Division III school, compete in the Landmark Conference and begin the 2015 season on the road this fall, taking on Arcadia University Sept. 1.

Walker said that both sports and academics played a role in her desire to attend Moravian.

"I chose Moravian College for its academic excellence and outstanding soccer program," said Walker.

She also liked the intimacy of the campus, a place where everyone was welcoming, especially the coaches and her new teammates. They're coached by Jeff Ykoruk who just completed his first season at the helm.

Walker, a co-captain on this year's District XI 3A championship team, was a center-midfielder, earning Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Honorable Mention last fall from a local publication.

At Moravian, Walker will be majoring in Business with a focus on marketing. Her work in the classroom will be where her main focus resides, taking full advance of all the Moravian has to offer.

"Academically, I have high goals for myself," said Walker. "I hope to stay focused and study hard in order to garrote in four years with a high GPA."

As for what she wants to accomplish on the field, she wants to be a contributor in any way she can.

"My ultimate goal is to be an integral part of the team, and to be a leader on and off the field," said Walker.

As a member of the championship Zephs, the lessons she learned throughout her career will become valuable as she begins this next phase of her life.

"The most important thing I learned as a student-athlete at Whitehall is the importance of hard work," she said. "Nothing comes easy and nothing's worth having unless you work for it. The harder you work in the classroom, and the harder you work on the field, the better the results will be."

DeContee Krayee was another Zephyr in perpetual motion. Krayee was a standout track and field performer for four years, competing in the sprints and sprint relays for the maroon and gold.

She was the leadoff runner in this year's 4x100 relay team who captured fourth at the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Track and Field Championships last month.

The senior will be heading to East Stroudsburg University to continue her track and field career. She'll be joining a program that featured another talented Whitehall sprinter, Danielle Smith who graduated this year.

Krayee said that East Stroudsburg offers her a great opportunity, and that she felt a connection to the school and the track program after a visit.

"I chose ESU because I feel at home there and I know that the coaches and the professors will do their best to make sure I excel on the track and in the classroom," said Krayee.

Krayee will be studying physical therapy at ESU, and is excited out what this next journey has in store for her. She also has a list of things she wants to accomplish.

"My goals at school are to get good grades and be top of my class," said Krayee.

Krayee will join the Warriors who compete in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. The Warriors had another strong indoor as well as outdoor season, crowning one PSAC Outdoor Champion from the women's team last month.

During her four years, Krayee learned that she had talent as a sprinter, but more importantly, discovered that she had love for the sport. It's that passion, plus her sportsmanship and character that she'll take with her as she transitions to this new phase in her life.

She's also thankful for what her coaches have done for her while at Whitehall.

"My coaches have taught me very well," said Krayee. "They taught me about hard work, dedication and to never give up regardless of the circumstances and what happened in the past."