Mandy Ross
THIS YEAR: Not only is she one of the NAIA's top sprinters, Mandy Ross is emerging as one of Azusa Pacific best-ever female sprinters, and she's only a sophomore ... Will press for All-American honors in the 100-, 200– and/or 400-meters though she excels in the longer sprints ... Is a key figure in the Cougars relay hopes.
2008: Captured a pair of NAIA All-America honors in her first collegiate season, finishing as the national runner-up in the indoor 400-meters (56.53) and then running the second leg on the Cougars' distance medley relay that finished third at the indoor championships ... Injuries slowed her during the second half of the year, and she did not compete at the GSAC championships ... Did not score at the NAIA outdoors after advancing to the semifinals of the 400 ... Posted the fourth fastest 200 (24.63 at Azusa) and the sixth best 400 (56.08 at UCLA) in Azusa Pacific history.
HIGH SCHOOL: Was a 3-sport standout at Christian High in El Cajon, Calif. ... In track & field was a 5-time CIF champion, sweeping the 100, 200 and 400 titles as a 2006 junior ... Set 5 schools records — 100 (11.92), 200 (24.41), 400 (56.43), 800 (2:23.99) and mile (5:30) ... Named the Central League female athlete of the year in 2006 ... Was also the San Diego Union Tribune zone athlete of the year ... Lettered 3 years in volleyball, twice earning All-CIF honors for her play, including her junior season when Christian High finished as the CIF runner-up ... Also lettered 4 years in soccer, playing a key role on the Patriots' 2004 CIF championship team ... Led the Patriots to the 2006 CIF championship game ... Was a member of the California Scholastic Federation her final 3 years in high school ... Was a 2-time All-Academic honoree as well
PERSONAL: Born Nov. 12, 1989, in San Diego, Calif. ... Comes from an athletic family ... Her mom, Renee Ross, was a standout track athlete at San Diego State, where she holds the school record in the 800 meters and qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trails in 1984, 1988 and 1996 ... Her dad, Michael Ross, played baseball in the Houston Astros minor league system ... Has 2 aunts who played basketball at San Diego State and an uncle who played at Sacramento State ... Has a younger brother (Sean) and younger sister (Danielle) ... Was a worship team leader at her high school ... Plays the guitar and piano ... Enjoys writing music ... Majoring in applied health and would like to become a physical therapist.
Ross Bests at Azusa Pacific Year 60 100 200 400 2008 7.80 12.19 24.63 56.08
