TEMECULA, Calif. --- The Holmes family redemption tour continues. Rancho Christian High School's Matthew Holmes has become the latest addition to Biola's swim team, joining his brother Andrew Holmes on Ryan Kauth's squad. Like Andrew, Matthew chose the Eagles despite both of their parents being proud Azusa Pacific University alumni.

Matthew specializes in the 200-butterfly and distance freestyle. This past year he returned to Southern California and Rancho Christian after spending two seasons at Centreville High School in Clifton, Va. near Washington, D.C. His family temporarily relocated there as his father is an active duty service member in the United States Navy.

"Having moved all over the country I had the chance to visit a number of different colleges," said Holmes. "The moment I stepped on the campus, Biola felt like home. I'm incredibly excited to swim with my brother, Andrew, and for Coach Kauth. I am excited to be a part of an up-and-coming team which already has a winning tradition."

In addition to his sibling ties, Holmes carries a strong track record inside and outside the pool. He spent both years at Centreville on the Wildcats' varsity swim team and spent this past year on the RCHS varsity team. He also spent ninth grade on the Temecula-based TMEC swim club's senior team before joining the Nation's Capitol Swim Club National Team from 2017-2019. Upon his return to SoCal, he became a captain of the TMEC senior team.

One thing remained consistent over Matthew's high school career, however--his strong academic achievement no matter which side of the country he was on. In all four years of high school, Matthew has been recognized for having a GPA above 4.0 as a student-athlete, including a 4.6 GPA last semester.

Matthew intends to study business administration and is ecstatic to continue his education at a place like Biola.

"I missed the opportunity to talk about faith-related issues with at school in Virginia, so I knew I was looking for a Christian school that would challenge me both academically and spiritually," Matthew said. 

While Andrew will have to wait until next fall for his brother to rejoin him on the Eagles. The older Holmes and the rest of the team will gear up for the Pacific Collegiate Swimming and Diving Conference starting on Wednesday, Feb. 12.