REBECCA SOPP • JUNIOR
DISTANCE • REDONDO BEACH, CA

The athlete: Rebecca returns for her third year of track…2008 GSAC champion in the 5000m at 17:42.94 which is good for fourth all-time at VUSC…2008 NAIA & GSAC All-Scholar Athlete and VUSC Track & Field Women’s Athlete of the Year…the Women’s team captain for 2008 and now for 2009…two-time indoor national qualifier…had an All-American sophomore season in cross country…three-time All-GSAC and All-Region runner finished 25th at the NAIA National Cross Country Championships…also an All-GSAC performer in track and field as a freshman…finished third in the GSAC in the 10,000m and ninth at the NAIA National meet…also ran the 5,000m at the NAIA national outdoor meet…outdoor bests of 10:18.56 in the 3,000m, 17:42.94 in the 5,000m, 37:10.82 in the 10,000m, and 18:35 in the 5K…2005 graduate of Redondo Union High School…ran track and cross country and played soccer in high school…played for Coach Welch in the Bay League…team MVP…"Extra Mile" athlete at RUHS…has been running for ten years…great attitude and work ethic…could challenge VUSC’s 20-year old 10,000m record in 2009.

The person: Rebecca Sopp was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on January 21, 1987…parents are Tom and Sue Sopp…has two younger sisters…friends just call her "Becca"…is a Business major at Vanguard…loves to eat Mexican food at "Chipotle"…sports hero is Ryan Hall…loves the movie "Pride & Prejudice"…loves the color turquoise…special place is Mammoth, California…roots for the Vanguard Lions…enjoys swing dancing, baking and painting…most respects her parents …learned about life that there’s still a lot more she has to learn…track has taught her determination, discipline and perseverance…career goal is to be an elementary school teacher and eventually own her own bakery.

Her thoughts: What I like most about Vanguard is the small class sizes.

Coach Wilkins’ comments: Becca is the hardest working athlete our women’s program has ever had. She is an outstanding student-athlete, excellent leader, loyal teammate, and true Champion of Character.

KELSIE DAVIS • JUNIOR
SPRINTS/JUMPS • LONGVIEW, WA

The athlete: Kelsie begins her third tour at Vanguard in 2009…tied for third all-time and placed second in 2008 with a high jump mark of 5-3 ¾ in 2008…also set new PR in the long jump at 15-6 ½, good for eighth all-time at VUSC and 34-2 ¼ in the triple jump which is third all-time...2008 Cross Country Academic All-American…has a PR of 1:16.19 in the 400m hurdles…best 5K time was 20:35…gained national experience while helping the Lions finish 15th at the 2006 NAIA Cross Country Championships…came to Vanguard from Kelso High School in Kelso, Washington…2006 graduate who ran cross country and track and field…competed for Coach Joe Krieder…named Most Improved Jumper…received Captain’s Award…three-time State Qualifier in the high jump…has been competing in track for seven years…has national qualifying talent…could challenge school high jump record and contend for a GSAC title in 2009.

The person: Kelsie was born in Santa Ana, California on December 4, 1988 to her parents Ken and Tracy…has seven siblings whose names begin with "K"…is majoring in Marketing at Vanguard…carried a 3.98 GPA at Kelso High School…sports hero is Allyson Felix…likes to eat at home…loves the movie "Anchorman"…watches "House" and "Bones" on television…prefers the color green and the number four…is a Seattle Seahawks fanatic…favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 30:30…loves scrapbooking…sport has taught her perseverance, hard work and friendship…most respects people that stand up for those less fortunate…career goal is to work in advertising…learned in life that you can’t control everything around you, you can only control your reactions.

Her thoughts: My favorite quote, "Good is the enemy of the great!"

Coach Wilkins’ comment: Kelsie embodies all the Champions of Character qualities we strive to model. She is also an exceptional student, loyal teammate, dedicated Christ follower and respected leader. We are blessed to have her in our program.

HEIDI MOREHOUSE • JUNIOR
POLE VAULT/HIGH JUMP • KLAMATH FALLS, OR

The athlete: Heidi returns for her third season with the Lions after a record-breaking 2008 year where she set the school record in the pole vault at 10-8…set what was then a school record in the pole vault at 10-6 in 2007 though it is not her personal best…came to Vanguard from Klamath Falls, Oregon where she attended Hosanna Christian School…2006 high school graduate with a 3.8 GPA…coached by Dan Morehouse…claimed first place in the pole vault at the Oregon State meet…also competed in volleyball and basketball in high school and was a member of the HCS dance team…has been competing in track for six years…had high school bests of 9-6 in the pole vault and 4-10 in the high jump…brings depth and scoring potential to the team as a multi-event athlete…could be the first in school history to vault in the 11-foot range in 2009.

The person: Heidi Vanessa Morehouse was born on April 12, 1988 in Klamath Falls, Oregon…parents are Dan and Valerie Morehouse…has an older sister that is a nurse…majoring in Athletic Training at Vanguard…sports hero is Dan O’Brien…loves to eat vanilla ice cream…likes the movie "Sweet Home Alabama"…likes watching "Grey’s Anatomy" on television…favors the color green and the number 12…favorite place is Lake Tahoe…enjoys scrapbooking…most respects her dad because he is a great example of what a man should be…track has taught her to just keep going…seeks a career as an Athletic Trainer.

Her thoughts: What I like most about Vanguard is the smallness of it.

Coach Wilkins’ comments: Heidi is an outstanding student-athlete and committed teammate who is fun, friendly and loves to help others. She’s a hard worker and is determined to improve and contribute at a high level. We are blessed to have her in our program.

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BURGANDY RHINES • JUNIOR
JUMPS/SPRINTS • ANNA, TX

The athlete: Burgandy returns for season three as a Lion after a terrific 2008…qualified for the Indoor National Championships in the high jump with a mark of 5-3 ¾, which is tied for third all-time at Vanguard…as a sophomore placed third in the GSAC and an All-GSAC high jumper with a leap of 5-3…set personal bests in the long jump at 15-1 ¼, triple jump at 33-4 and the 100m at 13.69…comes from Anna, Texas…attended McKinney North High School in McKinney, Texas…2006 graduate with a 4.25 GPA…two-sport athlete in high school…played volleyball and ran track…academic All-American…coached by Robert Jackson…highest team GPA…named Most Improved…placed seventh in high jump at the Colorado State meet in 2004 and third in the Colorado State meet in 2007…high jumper with natural athletic talent…has been competing for eight years…expected to challenge the school record and contend for a GSAC title in the high jump in 2009 as well as aiming for her second straight national’s bid.

The person: Burgandy Vea Rhines was born on September 16, 1987 in Tyler, Texas…parents are Willie and Vanessa Rhines…has two younger siblings…majoring in Business Marketing…sports heroes are Michael Phelps and Dara Torres…loves to eat Mexican and Italian food at "Del Taco" and "Macaroni Grill"…favorite movies are "The Italian Job" and "12 Angry Men"…likes to watch "House" and "Bones" on television…prefers the color lime green and the number seven...roots for the Texas Longhorns…hobbies are singing, dancing, texting, and long walks on the beach…most respects her mom because she’s persevered through adversity to become the woman of God that she is today…learned you only have one life to live, so make the most of it…track has taught her discipline…career goal is to be successful so she can establish herself and give back to those who helped her.

Her thoughts: What I like most about VUSC is the location, great coaches and fun teammates.

Coach Wilkins comments: Everyone loves Burg! She is fun, energetic, personable, and a wonderful teammate. We value her contributions as an athlete and person and we are expecting her to develop into a strong leader this year.

 ASHLEY RODRIGUEZ  • JUNIOR
SPRINTS   • COSTA MESA, CA

The athlete: Ashley comes to VUSC after spending two seasons with Head Coaches Erich Moreno and John Knox at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California…most improved in 2008 and Outstanding Sprinter in 2007…has PR times of 26.5 in the 200m, 57.66 in the 400m and 2:27 in the 800m…will focus primarily on the 400m for Vanguard…possesses All-American potential and will challenge VU’s 12-year old school record in the 400 held by Isis Gonzalez…graduated in 2006 from Estancia High School in Costa Mesa, California where she was Cross Country MVP as a junior for Head Coach Charlie Appell…was also captain for both track and cross country…has been running for seven years.

The person: Ashley was born in Upland, California on November 18, 1988…parents are Jerry and Aurora Huffman…has a brother in the Marines…nickname is "Potato Chip"…Kinesiology major…loves eating at "Ami Sushi" and "Pizza Hut"…favorite movies are "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "The Little Mermaid"…favorite Scripture is 1 Corinthians 9:24-27…likes the color pink and purple and the number 16…sports hero is Jeremy Warner…enjoys running and eating…most respects her mom because she’s amazing and she loves her…learned in life to roll with the punches and to appreciate what you have or who you have in life…sport has taught her to be positive, to be respectful and enjoy life…career goal is to be financially stable and to enjoy her job.

Her thoughts: I selected Vanguard because the coaches are great and the facility is great.

Coach Wilkins’ comments: Ashley is a very talented, hard-working athlete. We are very blessed to have her in our program and excited to see the many ways she will contribute.

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The athlete: Allie begins her second season as a Lion after an impactful freshman campaign…already fourth all-time at VU in the 100m (12.67), sixth in the 200m (26.40) and fourth in the 60m indoor (8.34)…came to the Lions after graduating from El Toro High School in Lake Forest, California in 2007…ran for Head Coach Larry Nitta in the Sea View League…holds two school records and was awarded Most Valuable Runner, Most Valuable Sprinter and the Freshman Athlete of the Year…100m PR of 12.62…200m PR of 26.32…PR in the long jump is 16-11.5…also played soccer where she was Coaches Award Winner…team captain…played varsity soccer and ran cross country…played six years of club soccer for West Coast Futbol…been in track for eight years…will contribute in the sprints and relays in 2009 and could challenge school records in the 60m and 100m.

The person: Allison was born in Mission Viejo, California to parents Mark and Jan on December 9, 1988…has two sisters…majoring in Communications/Public Relations…loves eating at "Chipotle"…likes the color blue…roots for the USC Trojans…favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11…likes eating Mashed Potatoes…says treating people like you would want to be treated is the most important characteristic for a person to have…most respects her grandma Mille for being a strong woman who demonstrates unconditional love…learned in life to trust God with everything…sport has taught her to give God the glory for all of her gifts…career goal is to become an event planner with a big company or cooperation.

Her thoughts: What I like most about Vanguard are the smiling faces everywhere and the beautiful Kaylee Leadley!!

Coach Wilkins’ Comments: Allie is a tremendous gift to our program. She has strong leadership qualities, a heart for Christ and passion to serve others through ministry.

KAYLEE LEADLEY • SOPHOMORE
SPRINTS/JUMPS • MESA, AZ

The athlete: Kaylee returns for her second season as a Lion after a freshman campaign that already had her mark the seventh highest all-time VU long jump at 15-10 ½…also has a VU PR of 13.63 in the 100m and ran a leg on the school record 1600m sprint medley relay in 2008…joined the Lions after graduating from Mountain View High School in Mesa, Arizona in 2007…ran track for Head Coach Webster where she was named a Scholar Athlete…has a personal best in the long jump of 16-3…also played seven years of club soccer…has ran track for eight years…will contribute in sprints, relays and the long jump in 2009.

The person: Kaylee was born to parents Glenn and Lauri on October 16, 1988 in Mesa, Arizona…has two brothers…majoring in Psychology…likes eating at "In-N-Out"…loves pasta and "Half Baked" ice cream…favorite movie is "Baby Mama" and TV show is "Lost"…favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:38…roots for the Phoenix Suns and sports hero Amare Stoudemire…enjoys snowboarding, modge podging and decorating and baking farfetti cakes…says integrity is the most important characteristic for a person to have…most respects her whole family because they’re amazing…sport has taught her responsibility, discipline and commitment…career goal is to do whatever as long as she’s helping others and remaining happy.

Her thoughts: What I like most about Vanguard is my wonderful running buddy Allie Armando.

Coach Wilkins’ comment: Kaylee is a great student and passionate Christ follower. She brings a very enthusiastic personality to our team and she is hard working and team oriented. I love Kaylee’s energy, passion and faithfulness.

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VERONICA BEAVOR  • FRESHMAN
THROWS  • COSTA MESA, CA

The athlete: Veronica starts her career in Costa Mesa after placing third at the Orange County Championships in 2008 in the discus with a throw of 122…comes from Orange Lutheran High School…will be the Lions’ top thrower in 2009 and challenge the school records in the discus and shot put…has a shot put PR of 35-1.

The person: Veronica Jean was born in Newport Beach, California on December 30, 1989 to parents Dan and Julie…has one older brother…majoring in Kinesiology and Athletic Training…enjoys eating at "Subway"…likes the color green and the number three…favorite movie is "Love & Basketball" and TV show is "Grey’s Anatomy"…sports hero is Diana Taurasi…favorite actress is Julia Stiles…favorite Bible verse is 1 Cor. 13:13…most respects God because He is the all-knowing, seeing, being and we are not worthy of Him yet He forgives us…basketball has taught her passion, heart, confidence, teamwork and so much more…would like to play basketball as long as she can…plans to become an Athletic Trainer.

Her thoughts: I came to Vanguard because everything just fit for me! God wants me here, I just have to wait and see why.

Coach Wilkins’ comments: We are thrilled to have Veronica in the mix this year. She brings tremendous work ethic and drive and will be a future leader for the Lions.

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EMILY CANALES • FRESHMAN
DISTANCE • REDLANDS, CA

The athlete: Emily comes to the Lions after graduating from Redlands East Valley High School in Redlands, California in 2008 where she ran for Head Coach Andrea Johnson…team captain in 2008 and has PR’s in 400m of 64.0 and 800m at 2:34…consistent cross country scorer that reveals a promising future to develop into a solid distance runner…has been in track six years…also played five years with the Los Gauchos Soccer Club.

The person: Emily was born in Redlands, California on November 15, 1989 to parents Jim and Leslie…has one brother and one sister…major is undeclared…loves desserts and eating at "In-N-Out"…favorite movie is "A Knight’s Tale" and TV show is "Lost"…favorite Scripture is 1 Corinthians 9:24-27…likes the color blue and the number 13…enjoys reading and making cookies…says integrity is the most important characteristic for a person to have…most respects her parents because she guesses they did raise her pretty well…learned in life that sleep fixes everything…sport has taught her perseverance…career goal is to be successful and be a good mom at the same time.

Her thoughts: I selected Vanguard because of my team and especially my coach!

Coach Wilkins’ comments: Emily is a great teammate, an outstanding student and a devoted Christ follower. She has a strong desire to improve as an athlete and in all areas of her life.

BASIA MOSLEY • FRESHMAN
SPRINTS  • WEST COVINA, CA

The athlete: Basia joins VUSC after graduating from South Hills High School in West Covina, California in 2008…ran for Head Coach Mike Booker as part of a two-time league championship squad…Leadership Award Winner…has PR times of 12.4 in 100m, 25.3 in the 200m, and 60.5 in the 400m…she could challenge the VUSC 100m and 200m records in 2009…has ran for four years.

The person: Basia Marie was born in Gardena, California on May 1, 1990 to parents Barry and Doaquin…has three siblings…Psychology major…likes eating Mexican food at "Chipotle"…favorite Scripture is 1 Corinthians 9:24-27…favorite movie is "A Lot Like Love" and TV show is "One Tree Hill"…likes bright colors and the numbers 1,2,6 & 9…enjoys singing, dancing and writing lyrics…learned that life isn’t going to stop for you when you fall down…sport has taught her to keep pushing through your trials for your victory…career goal is to be content and joyful and to please God.

Her thoughts: I selected Vanguard because God told me I was coming here.

Coach Wilkins’ comments: We are blessed to have Basia joining our program. She brings talent and enthusiasm and adds much needed depth to our sprint corps.

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DIANA NEVES  •  FRESHMAN
SPRINTS  •  GLADSTONE, AUSTRALIA

The athlete: Diana comes to VUSC after spending the last two years at Tusculum College in Greeneville, TN…was with Head Coach Missy Tiber from 2005-2008 where they were conference champions in basketball…in the ’07-’08 season, Neves played in 22 games off the bench averaging just under two points and one rebound per game…won state championship at St. Peter’s Lutheran High School in Brisbane, Australia…also played field hockey and was on the track and field team…very athletic, strong, quick with a great work ethic…has a PR of 12.4 in the 100m and will provide a boost to VU’s sprint team and 4x100 relay in 2009 at the conclusion of basketball season.

The person: Diana was born in Johannesburg on February 26, 1987 to parents Manuel and Maria…has an older brother…major is undecided…favorite Scripture is Psalm 32:8-10…favorite TV show is "House" and movie is "Love and Basketball"…enjoys eating at "Outback"…likes the color pink and the number seven…sports hero is Diana Taurasi…enjoys singing and the guitar…most respects her mother because she is an amazing person…learned in life it’s not healthy to hold grudges but to forgive…would like to become a sports psychologist.

Her thoughts: I selected Vanguard because the school just felt right.

Coach Wilkins’ comments: We are very excited to see what Diana will accomplish on the track this spring. She is a multi-talented athlete who is passionate, competitive and hard working. Her drive and competitive nature will propel her to a high level.

MEGAN WILLIAMS  • FRESHMAN
DISTANCE • FORT WORTH, TX

The athlete: Megan arrives at Vanguard after graduating from North Crowley High School in Fort Worth, Texas in 2008 where she ran for Head Coaches Donna Banks and Candace Hoenig…has PRs of 2:19.9 in the 800m, 5:06.29 in the 1600m and 11:08.45 in the 3200m…versatile runner with great range…capable of qualifying for National’s in everything from 800m to 10,000m…will also run the DMR during indoor season in hopes of an All-American performance.

The person: Megan Elizabeth was born in Grand Prairie, Texas on March 11, 1990 to parents Kenny and Brenda…has two brothers…Liberal Studies major…loves eating any Mexican food…favorite movie is "Braveheart" and TV show is "The Office"…likes the colors blue and green and the number 22…favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 40:31…roots for the Dallas Mavericks…sports hero is Steve Nash…enjoys hanging with friends, going to the beach, singing and listening to music…shopping and art…most respects her dad because he never stops inspiring her…sport has taught her to be mentally strong and perseverance…learned placing your whole life in God’s hands is the only way to be truly at peace…career goal is to possibly become a teacher.

Her thoughts: I selected Vanguard because I liked the team and coach, the area and that it was a Christian school.

Coach Wilkins’ comments: Megan is an outstanding student with tremendous worth ethic. She is a fun, loyal teammate, dedicated, strong in character and a devoted Christ follower.

CHELSEA VAN COTT • FRESHMAN
DISTANCE • OCEANSIDE, CA

The athlete: Chelsea came to VUSC after graduating from Calvary Chapel High School in Costa Mesa, California where she ran for Head Coach Derick Decicco…MVP, Most Improved, Most Inspirational and Team Captain 2006-2008…school mile (5:09) and 2-mile (11:19) record holder…also played basketball and soccer…played two years of club basketball…has ran track for four years…All-American potential…will contribute in mid and long distance event & DMR during the 2009 season.

The person: Chelsea Elane was born on January 12, 1990 to parents Randy and Michel in Irvine, California…has one older sister…nickname is "Chels"…majoring in Business…likes eating at "Cheesecake Factory"…likes the color brown and the number 15…favorite movie is "Pride and Prejudice" and TV show is "Scrubs"…favorite Bible verse is John 3:16…hobbies include going to the beach, sports and hanging with friends and family…says being kind and respectful to others around are the most important characteristics for a person to have…most respects her parents because they support her through it all…learned in life that the Lord will never leave her no matter what…sport has taught her responsibility, leadership, thankfulness for what the Lord has blessed her with…career goal own her own business someday while still staying connected to sports.

Her thoughts: I selected Vanguard because I felt at home here.

Coach Wilkins’ comments: Chelsea has a very vivacious personality. She is fun, energetic, hard working and passionate about her relationship with Christ.

OLYA ZAMUCEN • FRESHMAN
DISTANCE • NEWPORT BEACH, CA

The athlete: Olya begins her journey in track and field as a Lion in 2009...coming off a successful first season of cross country with the Lions...collegiate PR of 22:01 in the 5K...came to Vanguard from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California…PR of 6:00 in the 1600m…has ran for four years…also ran cross country, played soccer and tennis.

The person: Olya was born in Russia to parents Stephen and Sheila on December 12, 1988…has one older sister and one younger brother…nickname is "Olz"…majoring in Psychology…favorite Bible verse is Job 4:11…likes at "Gulfstream"…favorite movie is "Scary Movie 4" and TV show is "Andy Milonakis"…likes the color blue and the number six…sports hero is Matt Smith…enjoys running and snowboarding…says being funny is the most important characteristic for a person to have…most respects her High School counselor…learned to live life to its fullest…the sport has taught her that hard work pays off in the end…would like to be a psychologist and a writer.

Her thoughts: I selected Vanguard because it is a super duper school.

Coach Wilkins’ Comments: Olya brings charisma and great work ethic to our team. She trains hard in the off-season and is a wonderful and loyal teammate.

MARIN LOWDER • REDSHIRT SOPHOMORE
POLE VAULT/HURDLES • WAVERLY, IL

The athlete: Marin begins year two after running a leg on the school record-breaking 1600m sprint medley team in 2008 despite being injured most of the year…came to VUSC after graduating from Waverly High School in Waverly, Illinois in 2007…Head Coach was Scott Hendricks…2-year track MVP…broke four school records and was a state qualifier…team captain and leadership award-winner…made state junior and senior years in three events…has a personal best of 9-3 in the pole vault and 49.5 in the 300m hurdles…has ran track for eight years…also played volleyball for three years, cheerleading for four years and golf for one year…All-Star Cheerleading, tumbling and dance member for 15 years…team is hoping a healthy Marin will be able to excel in her specialty events of pole vault and the 400m hurdles in 2009.

The person: Marin Grace Gray Lowder was born to parents Rocky and Lou Anne in Springfield, Illinois on May 14, 1989…has one older brother…plans to major in Communications…likes pasta and shrimp…favorite movie is "Just Married" and TV show is "American Idol"…likes all colors and the number eight…favorite Scripture is Ecclesiastes 4…roots for the St. Louis Cardinals…sports hero is Kelly Struktzkie…hobbies include shopping, tumbling, and spending time with her little cousins…most respects her parents and granny because they have taught her to dream big and their support is never ending…life has taught her that it’s an amazing journey and live each day to its fullest…track has helped her grow as a person…career goal is to graduate in four years and become a P.R. of an HIV/AIDS clinic…infatuated with alligators.

Her thoughts: I selected Vanguard because of the Christian program.

Coach Wilkins’ comment: Marin is an excellent student, devoted teammate, woman of strong character and faith, and a future leader in our program. Marin is a tremendous gift to me and our program. Her contributions are valued and numerous.

SARAH AINLEY • REDSHIRT FRESHMAN
THROWS • WAVERLY, IL

The athlete: Sarah begins her first season at Vanguard...currently recovering from knee surgery…has PR’s of 33-0 in the shot put and 110-0 in the discus.

Coach Wilkins’ comments: Sarah is a talented thrower who is persevering through a long, challenging period of rehab currently. Whether she is able to compete or not this season, she has maintained a positive attitude and team-oriented mentality.