SANTA CLARITA, Calif. --- Hart High School outside back Rachel Melvin is very familiar with success on the soccer field and should be able to jump right into the Biola Eagles style of play when she enrolls at Biola this fall.

The Santa Clarita, California native will join a Eagles team that posted eight-straight shutouts to end their 2017 season after she captained the Hart High Indians and their outstanding defense to a 9-0-1 record in league play and an appearance in the CIF Southern Section Division I playoffs.  

Melvin was a four-year starter for Hart and did not lose a single league game during her time with the Indians. She was named All-Santa Clarita Valley first team after Hart surrendered just two goals in league play this year and was praised in the Santa Clarita Valley Signal All-SCV article for her ability to mark the opponents' best striker match in and match out.

"Rachel is a smart, tough defender with the ability to get forward into the attack and create scoring opportunities. Her previous coaches have commended her consistency, determination, and work rate," said Head Coach Erin Brunelle. "She will be someone who fits in well with our other defenders and will make our attackers better as they go up against her in training.  Additionally, she is off the charts in the classroom, so we look forward to bringing in someone who will drive our team academically as well."

Melvin is an excellent student who plans to make the most of Biola's recently opened Lim Center for Science, Technology and Health with a major in health sciences. She comes to Biola with a 4.45 GPA and multiple academic recognitions, including AP Honors Scholar and membership in the National Honors Society and California Scholastic Federation.

She intends to use her degree in a career as a occupational therapist and is optimistic about how Biola fits her desires for a university.

"Biola encompasses the athletic, academic, and spiritual aspects that I have been looking for in a school," said Melvin. "The University is unique in the fact that I am able experience a Christ-centered education and think biblically about the natural world. I am also blessed with the opportunity to pursue my soccer career."

Melvin will join her new teammates in August for preseason training. You can see the rest of Biola's incoming recruiting class on the Committed Athletes page.