Butler senior Campbell Ray, center, flanked by parents Robb and Rachel Ray, signs a letter-of-intent to continue his academic and volleyball career at Mount Union. Standing, from left, are Delaney Ray (Campbell’s sister) and Butler boys volleyball coach Lew Liparulo. John Enrietto/Butler Eagle

BUTLER TWP — Back surgery derailed a portion of Campbell Ray’s volleyball career.

The Butler senior did not let that physical setback end it.

Ray — who generally leads the Golden Tornado in assists each game — will continue his academic and volleyball career at the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio. He earned a collegiate opportunity despite a high school career that’s spanned only two years.

“I didn’t start playing volleyball until seventh grade,” Ray said. “My older brother (Jordan) played it and I’ve followed him around my whole life. Once I started playing, I fell in love with it.”

Ray didn’t play volleyball his freshman season. The back surgery cost him a year as well.

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