LEMOORE, Calif. --- Sami Chedester is the type of person who is motivated to make a strong and positive impact with whatever she is involved in.

At Lemoore High School, Chedester was the ASB President and captain of the Lemoore girls' soccer team her senior year as the Tigers made CIF playoffs. Now she'll get the opportunity to make an immediate impact on the Biola women's soccer team as she joins the Eagles this January after a semester at Fresno State.

One of a set of triplets, Chedester initially committed to play soccer with the Bulldogs alongside sister Chloe. But her transfer now brings her to Southern California to prepare for a career as a sports broadcaster in Biola's esteemed communications major or its Top-Ranked film program.

It also brings Chedester to the Biola women's soccer program that recruited her heavily out of Lemoore High, where Chedester was a three-time All-West Yosemite selection at defender for the Tigers. She was also chosen as the best defensive player on her team three times and earned two selections to the Central Section All-Star game, including her senior season after helping captain the Tigers to their best record and best CIF finish since Chedester's freshman year at Lemoore.

"We're thrilled to have Sami join our squad and the Biola community in a couple of weeks! She exudes joy and will bring positivity to the field and classroom on a daily basis," said Head Coach Erin Brunellle.

Already elated to welcome someone who they thought was a great fit for Biola last year, the Eagles now also may be hoping that Chedester's year of experience in the Mountain West Conference will help her become a force for the team in PacWest play. Point Loma's Julia Glaser set the precedent for such an impact in 2018 after she transferred from Fresno State to help the Sea Lions make the NCAA West Regional with a PacWest-leading 14 goals.

"We are excited to see the development she gained at her previous institution and how she can translate her experience at the NCAA Division I level to fuel success with our team," added Brunelle. "Sami's athleticism and competitive nature will fit well with our team and she will push our attackers to improve as they go up against her."

Chedester begins classes at Biola on January 14 and will join the Eagles for Spring practices shortly thereafter. The upcoming 2019 season will be the first year Biola is eligible for NCAA postseason play. More information about other incoming student-athletes can be found on the Committed Athletes page.