LEONARDTOWN, MD.—Biola Women's Soccer has added a talented goalkeeper from Maryland who will make her way back across the country to compete for the Eagles. Alyssa Joel, a California native, will arrive on campus this fall to suit up for Head Coach Erin Brunelle's squad.
 
Joel played at Leonardtown High School where she was a standout athlete and an excellent student. She is exactly the type of athlete and person that Biola is looking for.
 
"Alyssa is a goalkeeper with good hands in shot-blocking situations and possesses a strong confidence in 1v1 situations," said Brunelle. "She has tremendous desire to learn and we hope to provide an atmosphere where she can aspire to grow in her faith and soccer ability on a daily basis."
 
Joel helped her team to a 21-2-1 record where she recorded 17 shutouts and two penalty kicks saves. She led the Raiders to their first state championship game since 2008 and is excited to arrive on Biola's campus to make the same impact.
 
"I chose Biola because as soon as I stepped on campus and on the field, I immediately felt a sense of belonging, and that God was calling me there," said Joel. "I feel like I'm getting the best aspects of academics, athletics, and the ability to grow in my relationship with Christ."
 
In her senior year, Joel was named an honorable mention for the Southern Maryland Conference. Her team won the conference championship, regional championship and a state final.
 
Joel was named to the honor roll all four years of high school. She plans to major in international business.