HENDERSON, Nev. --- Biola Women's Golf is on a big upswing as a program, and that success is likely to continue with the fall commitment of Sami Penor. Penor is currently a Nevada high school Division I golfer at Coronado High School in Clark County, and she will join Biola in fall 2018.

"We are excited to have signed Sami Pennor during the early signing period," said Head Coach Jane Carr. "She is a fierce competitor and Sami has proven herself to be both a scholar athlete and community minded.  Her youth pastor describes Sami as a 'difference maker.'  I believe Sami is a strong leader that is driven and determined.  She will make an incredible contribution to our growing team."

Penor led the Coronado Cougars to the NIAA State Championship four times and finished fourth as an individual the last time out. She earned individual all-state honors all four years and won the individual regional championship twice.

Her high school accomplishments got her some local attention as she was named "Best of Nevada Preps" in golf by the Las Vegas Review Journal. In addition to winning tournaments and leading her team to unprecedented success, Penor also kept herself on track in the classroom, earning Scholar-Athlete honors all four years.

"I chose Biola because of my faith, said Penor. "Attending a Christian university was always top of my mind and a goal for my parents and I. Getting to meet and spend time with coach Carr and some of the girls on the team solidified this desire even more."

Penor is finishing off her time at the Coral Academy of Science, where she's earned a 4.65 GPA and made the All A Honor Roll. She's also a member of the National Honor Society and plans to study Cinema and Media Arts when she arrives at Biola.

In addition to competing at Coronado High School Penor also competes all around the region at junior tournaments, like the 2017 IMG Junior World Championships.

She and her family are originally from Laguna Hills, Calif., but they relocated to Nevada when she was much younger. Her commitment to Biola is a homecoming as she returns to the state.

"I want to play a part in someway helping Biola Women's Golf stand out even more, especially during this NCAA Division II transition," said Penor. "I always knew I wanted to play at the collegiate level."

Penor's future teammates continue their season with their spring tournaments, beginning Feb. 5-6 at the Point Loma REACH tournament.