Cougar Athletics
30 NAIA National Championships
95 GSAC Championships
...and counting

THIS YEAR: Junior Stephen Gillette returns as the starting left fielder after a breakout sophomore campaign … A true slugger at heart, has made it a priority in offseason workouts to become a more complete hitter … Drives the ball hard from gap to gap … Brings a great attitude and work ethic to the team and made strides to improve defensively in the outfield.

2007: Emerged as a middle-of-the-order threat, hitting 17 of Azusa Pacific’s program single-season record 97 … Batted .284 (61-for-215) on the season, scoring 51 runs and driving in 50 more … Also drew 25 walks and stole 7 bases … Opened the year batting .559 (19-for-34) with 8 home runs through the season’s first 11 games … Was 6-for-9 with 3 home runs and 8 RBIs in season-opening 3-game sweep over Cal State San Marcos … Went 6-for-7 with a double, a home run, 4 runs and 3 RBIs in a GSAC doubleheader sweep over Fresno Pacific.

2006: Showed flashes of potential as a true freshman … Appeared in 27 games, starting 15 times … Batted .234 (15-for-64) with 4 extra-base hits … Posted 5 multiple-hit games, including a 3-for-3 performance in his second collegiate game, a 9-4 win over Claremont-Mudd … Went 2-for-5 with 4 RBIs, 2 steals and his first collegiate home run to help the Cougars post a 16-5 victory over Westmont.

HIGH SCHOOL: Played 3 varsity seasons for head coach Kevin Smith at San Pasqual High in Escondido, Calif. … Prior to senior season was named a 2005 Puma Preseason High School All-American … As a 2005 senior, led the Eagles with 6 home runs … Also led the team in RBIs … Had a good junior year leading the team in home runs and RBIs … Was also the Eagles’ Defensive Player of the Year after going 28 games without an error in the outfield.

PERSONAL: Born July 22, 1987, in Escondido, Calif., to Ed and Jenny Gillette … Has 1 sister (Jessica) … Has not declared a major … Enjoys being involved with his church.