YUMA, Ariz. --- Clara Haynes has contributed to many successful moments at Gila Ridge HS since she joined varsity track and cross country in 2015.

In just two years after joining the Hawks, Haynes helped Gila Ridge to its first state championship in the DII Arizona Track and Field Championships 4x800m relay in 2015 and multiple Yuma City meet championships. The Yuma native established herself as one of the area's best distance runners in cross country and track & field, earning Track & Field Athlete of the Year honors from the Yuma Sun newspaper in 2015 and a Athlete of the Year designation from the same publication in 2015 and 2016.

"It was great getting to know Clara throughout the recruiting process and learning more about what she values in life and how she deals with struggles," said Head Coach Sean Henning. "Clara is extremely gifted and as long as she's healthy, she will do some great things here at Biola. She has such a positive and uplifting personality, I know she will be a great teammate and addition to our program."

Haynes set new school records at Gila Ridge in the three mile, 5k, 3200m and 1600m events while fulfilling her homeschooling academic requirements at a local community college with a 4.0 GPA. She intends to major in nursing when she in enrolls this coming fall and would love to work as a missionary nurse in third-world countries in the future.

"I first started looking at Biola because it offers a biblically-founded education with strong academics," said Haynes. "When I visited, I saw a community rich in love for the Lord and knew it was somewhere I would be challenged and encouraged to grow in my faith. "

Haynes will begin practicing with the Eagles' Cross Country team in August with the hope of helping Biola to another strong showing in the NCCAA National Championships in November.