Kayla Carstensen
THIS YEAR: A solid distance runner, sophomore Kayla Carstensen gives the Cougars quality depth that will be used in the relays ... Tends to excel in the 1500 and 3000 ... Might try the steeple ... Has valuable experience on the NAIA national level in both track and cross country.
2008 (freshman): As a 2008 freshman, joined a deep and talented Cougar distance program and used the year to adjust to a higher level of competition ... Competed in the shorter distance races and posted personal bests of 2:21.29 (800m) and 4:46.48 (1500m) ... Ran a leg in the prelims of the NAIA indoor and outdoor 4x800 (in the event finals the Cougars eventually finished second at indoors and eighth at outdoors) ... Did not compete in the GSAC Championship Meet in Azusa.
CROSS COUNTRY: Has appeared in 12 meets over the course of 2 seasons of running for Azusa Pacific's cross country team ... Was a member of the Cougars' 2008 NAIA national championship squad, clocking a 19:20 on the national championship course in Kenosha, Wis., finishing as the No. 6 Cougar ... Posted a season-best of 19:17 to finish 30th at the GSAC Meet ... As a freshman, was vital in leading the Cougars to their first NAIA regional title in 4 years by running a personal-best 19:10 over the 5K Woodward Park course to finish 26th as the Cougars' fifth runner ... Finished 38th at the GSAC Championships (20:08) in Costa Mesa ... Gained valuable experience by clocking a 20:57 at the NAIA championship meet in Kenosha, Wis.
HIGH SCHOOL: Was home-schooled through Liberty Christian Academy ... Competed unattached in open road races and youth track & field meets.
PERSONAL: Born March 17, 1989, to Todd (electrical engineer) and Keena Carstensen ... Has 1 brother (Jared) and 2 sisters (Brianna, a former Cougar All-American in cross country and track & field and the holder of several school records, Diandra) ... Majoring in business.
CARSTENSEN BESTS AT AZUSA PACIFIC YEAR 800 1000 1500 Mile 2008 2:21.29 3:09.72 4:46.48 5:27.7
