Azusa Pacific University -- The Students President

By Micah McDaniel '99

There's the Energizer Bunny, and then there's TJ Gause. No matter how her friends describe her – energetic, spirited, full of excitement, out of control – one thing is for sure: TJ Gause ' 03 is always on the go.

Take, for instance, a typical summer day: while most of her peers are comfortably sunbathing at their favorite beach, Gause begins her day as a counselor at the Abiding Savior Lutheran Church Summer Day Camp Program, working with nearly 200 first through eighth graders in her hometown of San Juan Capistrano. From there, she heads to her night job at the family entertainment center Dave and Buster's. Somewhere between jobs, she finds time to prepare for the upcoming volleyball season, her third at Azusa Pacific, as well as play in a women's volleyball league at the local YMCA, eat, sleep, and spend time with her friends and family. There is hardly enough time to breathe.

If that were not enough, for two weeks, Gause throws a proverbial wrench in her routine (as she has for the past four summers), spending time overseas on different mission trips.

"I like to stay busy and have lots of things to do," said Gause. "It keeps me going. I especially enjoy the mission trips. That is where my passion is."

Her first overseas encounter was with her high school in summer 1998. Gause and other classmates from Calvary Chapel High School in Costa Mesa spent two weeks in Hungary, doing various service projects. The experience was so uplifting that she decided to do it again the next summer.

At the conclusion of her freshman year in 2000, Gause spent her summer in Poland with the university's Institute for Outreach Ministries (IOM). This past summer, she spent two weeks in the Philippines, with yet a different group – Ocean Hills Community Church in San Juan Capistrano.

"My heart goes out to the people that I come in contact with," said Gause. "I feel like I have been given so much that I can share with them, but at the same time, there is so much that I can learn from them. I want to share Jesus more than anything, but I also look at these trips as a chance to learn new languages, cultures, and backgrounds."

That same heart and passion also shines through on the volleyball court. Standing just 5' 8", Gause is undersized for her position as outside hitter. Yet through sheer determination and resilience, Gause started every match in 2000, ranking third on the team with 314 kills and second with 467 digs as the Cougars received a final ranking of No. 19 in the NAIA and their first trip to the National Tournament since 1994.

Gause stands with volleyball in hand adorning an APU Volleyball t-shirt.

"TJ is the consummate team player because she does not seek individual attention," said Azusa Pacific head women's volleyball coach Gerry Gregory. "She is tenacious and goes for every ball. She is our strongest competitor, but still displays a great balance of sportsmanship. I have never seen her intimidated by a talented opponent, and that is why she never gives up."

It is that bulldog mentality and relentless work ethic that makes Gause an especially unique athlete.

Wherever she has been, her teams have won.

In high school, Gause and her teammates at Calvary Chapel reached the state championship match three of her four years, winning it her freshman season. The Eagles were three-time Olympic League champions, as well as the 1998 CIF champions. For her efforts, Gause was recognized on the All-Olympic League and All-CIF teams.

How she has transferred that success to the collegiate level has been remarkable. In the four years prior to Gause joining the Azusa Pacific program in 1999, the Cougars posted a 44-66 record, never reaching the playoffs. Since Gause stepped onto the court, the Cougars have reversed their fortunes. They amassed an impressive 40-25 record, receiving a top 20 ranking and reaching the National Tournament. It is no coincidence that Gause, a co-captain, is at the forefront.
What Gause accomplishes on the court also carries over to her everyday life. She is a Deans' List recipient and a discipleship group leader, the latter of which brings her the most pleasure.

"I like helping others become leaders," said Gause. "It makes me happy to see my teammates, or members of my discipleship group, step up and take a leadership role."

"TJ is a very grounded, spiritual person, and she is approachable and real," said Gregory. "One thing that makes her unique is that she has high personal standards, yet is loving to others who may not believe as she does. Her strength comes from God. Every team needs a TJ Gause. Lucky for us, there is just one TJ."

Micah McDaniel '99 is the assistant sports information director for the
Office of Athletics. mmcdaniel@apu.edu

In Focus