ST. CHARLES, Ill. --- Brandon Valente took the high schools in Illinois by storm over the past few seasons, finishing his senior season with a 1.63 ERA and leading the team in strikeouts/9 innings.
 
He will spend his next four years in a little different climate, but expectations will be the same on the baseball diamond for the left arm of Valente.
 
"I feel that Biola is where God wants me," said Valente. "Biola's strong commitment to Christ, positive campus atmosphere, great academics and strong baseball program are just some of the reasons I feel Biola is right for me."
 
Back home, Valente played his high school ball for Wheaton Academy, but he was also involved with one of the premier travel ball clubs in the country, Elite Baseball Training, which trains in Chicago.
 
His prowess on the mound was noticed during his time with Elite, and he was invited to participate in the Chicago White Sox Silver and Black Series. He also led his team to the quarterfinals of the Premier Baseball National Championships and earned a win over the defending champions.
 
"Brandon has played against some of the better players in the country and is a great fit here at Biola," said Head Coach Jay Sullenger. "He commands all three of his pitches, and he will get many opportunities for our pitching staff. He has a real desire to grow in his faith and will be an asset to the program."
 
Valente graduated with honors after his time at Wheaton Academy, and he was also honored with the Athletic Scholastic Achievement Award from the Illinois State High School Association.
 
He graduated from Wheaton this spring, and he began at Biola this two weeks ago. He is a pre-med major, with hopes of entering a career in the medical field.