For UCF punter Atticus Bertrams, the love of the game started with a simple kick. Growing up in Sydney, Australia, Bertrams had a ball at his feet from the moment he could walk, a passion that seamlessly translated from soccer and rugby to American football. "Americans grow up throwing a ball; we grow up kicking one," Bertrams explains with a laugh. That innate talent has become a powerful weapon for the Knights, showcasing how global skills can redefine a position.

Bertrams honed his craft at Prokick Australia, an academy renowned for developing elite punters and kickers for the American game. The program's impressive alumni include NFL standouts like Michael Dickson of the Seattle Seahawks and Mitch Wishnowsky of the Buffalo Bills, proving its pipeline to success. For Bertrams, it was the perfect training ground to master the nuances of punting a differently shaped ball, a transition he says came naturally.

His journey to Orlando followed a successful three-year stint at Wisconsin, where he averaged 42.8 yards per punt. Seeking a new challenge and greater guidance, Bertrams entered the transfer portal, a process he describes as "hectic" and "daunting." The uncertainty paid off when a call from his agent redirected his path to UCF, a move that has reinvigorated his college career.

Now a senior, Bertrams brings a veteran leg and a unique international perspective to the Knights' special teams. His story is a testament to dedication and adaptability, illustrating how a lifelong passion for sport can cross continents and find a home on the gridiron. For UCF, his powerful, precise kicks are more than just plays—they're a strategic advantage born from a lifetime of perfecting his craft.