Ariel Beetstra
THIS YEAR: Already a battled-tested sophomore, Ariel Beetstra is a key figure in the Cougar attack ... Is 1 of 7 Cougars over 6-feet tall and at 6' 3" is the second-tallest player on the squad ... Moves well for her size ... Adjusted well last year to the college game and is proving to be quite smart and steady in her play.
2008 (Freshman): Started all 36 Cougar matches and appeared in all 126 sets during her 2008 freshman season ... Led Azusa Pacific with 127 blocks, third-best in the GSAC and tops among all conference freshmen ... Registered 5 or more blocks in 11 different matches, including a season-high 9 in a 3-set sweep at The Master's College ... Had 7 blocks in 4 other matches, including an NAIA Tournament-opening victory over No. 16-ranked Dordt College ... Produced 10 kills in a 5-set setback at No. 2 Biola University.
HIGH SCHOOL: Was a 4-year middle hitter at Fullerton (Calif.) Union High for head coach Wendy Vrolyk ... Was a 4-time All-Freeway League honoree, earning first team recognition her final 2 seasons ... Also lettered 2 seasons in track & field, participating at the CIF meet in the high jump in 2005 as a freshman and running a leg of the 4x400 relay as a 2006 sophomore.
PERSONAL: Born Dec. 22, 1989, in Long Beach, Calif., to Charlie and Lisa Beetstra ... Has 2 younger siblings, sister Hayley and brother Gerritt.
