MISSION HILLS, Calif. --- When Briana Ruelas was thinking about transferring to a university that was closer to home, she found a match in a Biola Eagles team that was happy to add someone who knows the challenges they'll face as they pursue an NCAA postseason berth in 2019.
 
Ruelas comes to Biola after two years with NCAA Division II New Mexico Highlands University in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, where she led the Cowgirls in goalkeeper minutes as a freshman and started 13 matches in 2018. She also made 41 saves in each of her first two collegiate seasons.
 
"Briana has gained tremendous experience playing at the Division II level over the past two years. She will fill a vacancy in our goalkeeper unit and we are excited to see her compete for time alongside our other goalkeepers," said Head Coach Erin Brunelle. "She has good shot-stopping ability and will challenge our attackers daily in training sessions. She is also a good vocal leader and will be a strong voice organizing our defense in front of her. We are looking forward to the Biola community being able to guide her in her faith as well."
 
Ruelas initially committed to NMHU after a standout season at Granada Hills Charter High School, about an hour away from Biola on the I-5 freeway. Ruelas was named LA City Section Player of the Year in 2017 and earned first team all-league and all-city honors after she captained the Highlanders to a 16-9-2 record and a CIF LA City Section Championship during her senior season.
 
The Mission Hills, California-native also earned a shutout in the first round of CIF regional playoffs to push Granada Hills Charter to the Regional Semifinals and allowed just 12 goals in 24 matches as a senior. At Biola she'll join a goalkeeper group that includes returning senior Christian Rodriguez, giving the Eagles a combined 45 starts in goal at the NCAA Division II level as they start the 2019 season.
 
Ruelas will major in psychology when she starts classes in the fall and hopes to become a teacher or counselor. When asked for comment, she was excited about the opportunity to join a welcoming group of teammates that are after big things in 2019:
 
"I chose Biola because everyone was so welcoming when I went to visit. The campus was beautiful and I felt that the environment was right for me," said Ruelas. "I'm looking forward to being a part of what seems to be a close team and being able to compete alongside talented players."
 
More information about other incoming student-athletes can be found on the Committed Athletes page.