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

THIS YEAR: One of 5 freshmen distance runners to join Azusa Pacific this year, Kayla Carstensen came on strong toward the end of the cross country season and hopes to parlay her cross country emergence into a fine rookie collegiate track & field season ... Figures to excel in the mid-distances ... Has promise to develop into a key figure in the years ahead.

CROSS COUNTRY: Appeared in 6 meets for Azusa Pacific during the 2007 season ... 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 Cougar track & field distance records, Diandra) ... Has not declared a major.