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

THIS YEAR: A promising thrower, freshman Karen Esslinger has the ability to become an excellent javelin thrower under the tutelage of Olympian and Cougar head coach Mike Barnett ... Has a background in other throws and may delve into them as well as her college career unfolds.

HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in 4 different sports at Saddleback Valley Christian High in San Juan Capistrano ... In track & field, set the school record in the discus, shot, and 200 meters ... Posted personal bests of 117’ in the discus, 98’ 11” in the hammer, and 121’ in the javelin ... Also lettered in basketball, softball and volleyball, a sport in which she helped lead the Warriors to the CIF finals.

PERSONAL: Born Jan 26, 1989, in Newport Beach, Calif. ... Parents are Stephen and Amy Esslinger ... Has 1 sister (Grace) ... Her mother ran track & field at USC and her father rowed at Cal and was a member of the U.S. national team ... In club track & field, was a USATF All-American in the javelin in both the intermediate girls and young women divisions ... Majoring in graphic design.