CLOVIS, Calif. --- Christian Berney spent three years at CIF with his high school team and swam for four years on the fastest club team in Central California. Now, he'll bring that speed, and his smarts, to Biola Swim & Dive.
 
Berney committed to join Head Coach Eddie Shepard's program because of his desire to grow to his full potential, believing Biola's strength training and stroke training will help him do so.
 
"I'm real excited to have Christian joining us as a strong flyer," said Shepard. "I think he will see some great improvement in his college career and I'm excited to walk through the next four years of his life with him."
 
Berney swam three varsity seasons at Buchanan High School, while simultaneously training with the Clovis Swim Club. He made the CIF Championship team in the 100-butterfly in each of his three varsity seasons and led the Bears to a third-place finish at the CIF Central Section meet three times.
 
He was a successful swimmer outside of the high school pool, winning the 200-butterfly at 2013 Junior Olympics 15-and-up competition and placing 14^th in the same event at the 2014 Arena Grand Challenge.
 
Berney is a solid student as well, making the honor roll in 2013-14 and the high honor roll in 2014-15, all while taking AP courses.
 
He plans to major in biology and pursue a career as an orthodontist.
 
"I wanted to attend a school that was Christ-centered where I could continue my education through dental school," said Berney. "The swim coach also really impressed me with his training program to help his athletes achieve goals and reach their optimum potential."
 
Three of Berney's relatives attended Biola, and he will become the fourth once he starts classes in the fall of 2015.