Every year Biola teams flock to their National Championships, where they make themselves known as serious contenders. But this competitiveness begs the question; where do Biola athletes end up post-college?
Certain Biola athletes use their athletic scholarships to further their education, leaving the sports behind after they graduate. However, several have gone on to the pros in their specific fields. These success stories are a great encouragement to Biola athletics, as the professionals lend their exciting start’s to the school and it’s high powered athletics department. From soccer to basketball to volleyball, Biola athletes are making their mark on the world of professional sports.
Biola’s volleyball team was established in 1923. They have, in that time, assembled quite a reputation; ranking as high as second place in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in 2008. Christina Perkins is from Murrieta, Calif. She played volleyball for four years at Murrieta Valley High School, where she was a letter winner each year. She moved on to play volleyball for Biola, graduating in 2008 as one of the team’s most accomplished players. After graduation, the kinesiology major went on to play professional volleyball for Sweden. Not only did she play for the team, she also became a local hero, being recognized all over town as “the American volleyball player.” This should be a great encouragement to the all-star volleyball team as they look forward to more years of success.
Perkins’ is just one of many Biola athletes’ who has furthered her sport’s career to the professional level; another story is that of Rocky Hampton. On Aug. 16, Hampton was signed to Düsseldorf’s professional basketball team in Germany, the Giants. Before his time at Biola, Hampton played basketball for Temescal Canyon High School in Southern California. He was an integral part of Biola’s basketball team, earning several awards such as honorable mention in 2009 for All-NAIA Division 1. As a forward for the Giant’s, Rocky Hampton is expected to continue this outstanding performance.
But one of Biola’s greatest success stories lies in baseball with graduate Hawkins Gebbers. Gebber’s, who is from Brewster, Wash., played at an all-state level not only in baseball, but also in basketball and football. As a baseball player, he was named “Player of the Year” Class 1A in 2005. This encouraged him to continue his baseball career with Biola. In his junior year, Gebber’s was scouted by the New York Mets and the Seattle Mariners. Choosing to return to the Eagle’s for his senior year, he began playing for the Mariner’s after they picked him in the 33rd round of the MLB draft.
Each one of these stories emulates the high standards that the Biola athletics department holds for itself. It is thanks to these players and many more who have turned heads in the professional and collegiate level.
