SANTA CLARITA, Calif. --- Kaela Berretta did an excellent job managing several priorities during her four years at Saugus High School.

Berretta was a team captain for the cross country and swim teams and competed in CIF meets in both sports. She excelled as a straight-A student in AP classes and earned Student-Athlete Honors Scholar recognition three times. And she held other leadership positions that include being a small group leader at Saugus' Christian club.

But being able to deepen her Christian faith was Berretta's biggest priority as she evaluated where she wanted to continue her education. So she has chosen to join a community that shares her passion for Jesus as she continues her athletic career with Head Coach Sean Henning's distance group.

"I chose Biola because I knew it'd be a place God could grow me spiritually while preparing me for a career that would glorify Him," said Berretta. "I cannot wait to use the athletic gifts God has given me to bring Him glory while maturing as a Christian and a student!"

Berretta competed on the varsity swim team for three years and was the anchor of Saugus' 200 yard freestyle relay that competed at the aforementioned CIF Southern Section Championship meet in 2019. But she was also part of one of California's most prominent girls cross country programs at Saugus, helping the Centurions earn podium finishes at the CIF state meets in addition to Foothill League titles during her final three years with the team.

Berretta ran in the CIF Division 2 State Championships as a sophomore and junior when Saugus earned back-to-back second place finishes. Then Berretta turned in a PR in the 5k as the Centurions finished third at the CIF Division 1 State Meet last November. She placed 60th out of 184 runners after finishing in the top-10 at the Foothill League Championships four weeks prior.

The Santa Clarita, California-native plans to double major in biblical studies and communications at Biola so she can maximize her ability to share her faith. More information on the incoming 2020-21 class that will join Berretta at Biola can be found on the Committed Athletes page.