LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. --- One only needs a brief look at Jessica Cornelius' list of accomplishments to see that the senior at San Clemente High is committed to cultivating her passions. 

Cornelius has achieved much as a result of the years she's spent honing her craft in piano, choir and on the golf course. And her command of those disciplines indicate she'll be a great opthamologist and an asset for Head Coach Jane Carr's women's golf team at Biola. 

The Laguna Niguel, California-native has been one of the primary reasons that the San Clemente Tritons have won three league titles in girls' golf during her four years at the high school. Cornelius qualified for CIF play during all four of her high school seasons and served as team captain for two years while winning a coach's award and Most Valuable Player recognition between her junior and senior years.

Cornelius also holds her school's second-best score at the Bella Collina Golf Club with a -3 (33) over nine holes and played around the country in the SCPGA, AJGA, and Hurricane Junior Tour. But away from the course she is very gifted musically, passing the level eight Certificate of Merit Test in piano after playing for 13 years and singing as a soprano in a choir at San Clemente that has won several national awards. 

So the opportunity to come to Biola was too much for Cornelius to pass up because she will have the chance to compete nationally at the NCAA DII level in golf with the Eagles while also working with Biola's esteemed Conservatory of Music. 

Cornelius has served as the president of her high school choir and regularly sings in the worship team at her church. 

Additionally, Cornelius' deep commitment to her Christian faith has led her to go on a short-term missions trip to India and played a major part in her feeling a sense of belonging and community at Biola:

"I chose Biola because it's like a family where everyone shares a common faith," said Cornelius. "I really love that everyone is so supportive of being on the golf team and working with me to achieve my degree. And I'm excited to be a part of the golf team and connect with others while strengthening my relationship with Christ."

Cornelius plans to declare a biology major at Biola in preparation for medical school. She hopes to eventually open up a private practice and work in eye and vision care as an opthamologist. 

Jessica Cornelius will join Biola Women's Golf in Fall 2020. For more information on the other student-athletes also arriving at Biola in Fall 2020, visit the committed athletes page.