WHITTIER, Calif. --- After a year away from the game, Emma Gallegos will return to the soccer pitch and return home in one fell swoop with her transfer to Biola University. The Whittier, California-native will join the Eagles' group of goalkeepers for the 2019 season after earning multiple Del Rio League Championships with nearby La Serna High School.

"Emma comes to us this fall in search of her first minutes as a collegiate student-athlete.  She will round out our goalkeeper unit, and we're looking forward to her development over the next few years," said Head Coach Erin Brunelle. "Emma has a calm demeanor, but is a strong vocal leader on the pitch.  She is a quick thinker and reads the game well. We look forward to not only her development as a soccer player, but also her growth in her relationship with Christ as she is immersed in the Biola community."

Gallegos earned All-League Second Team honors from the Whittier Daily News in 2017 after helping the Lancers to a perfect 10-0 record in league play while La Serna allowed just 20 goals in 25 matches. She also played 14 matches in goal as a senior as the Lancers advanced to the CIF Southern Section second round for the third time during her four years at LSHS.

Gallegos graduated from La Serna with multiple academic distinctions, including an AP Diploma and Seal of Biliteracy. She'll join a number of her new teammates in the nursing program at Biola and hopes to be an ICU nurse. Biola's well-regarded nursing program made a good fit for Gallegos with her volunteer work at hospices and assisted living facilities and the 10-minute drive between her old high school and Biola's campus was also a plus:

"I chose Biola due to its proximity to home," said Gallegos. "I am looking forward to the friendships that will be made through a common interest."

Emma Gallegos will join the Biola Eagles for their first season of NCAA postseason eligibility in 2019. More information about other incoming student-athletes can be found on the Committed Athletes page.