SACRAMENTO, Calif. – St. Francis senior Isabella Rudis will attend and compete for Chapman University in the fall.

“Competing for Chapman means a lot to me,” said Rudis. “It was my top school academically and my favorite school to go to. When I found out there was an option to compete there, it was 10,000 times better. They do not give athletic money so I had to get in the school first and they offered me the spot on the team. I was really excited especially after meeting a few girls on the team.”

Rudis is a multi-event standout for the Troubadours, taking on the triple jump this season as well as the high jump, long jump and hurdles. She also ran cross country in the 2016 and 2017 seasons.

“She can do pretty much everything, all the running and jumping events,” said Head Coach Rod Jett. “She has got it covered. She can pretty much compete wherever we need her to get points in a meet.”

She has jumped a personal-best in the long jump (16-7) and high jump (5-0), ranking in the top 20 in the section rankings, and has improved in three straight meets in the triple jump with a best of 35-3 at the Husky Invitational. The new event has sparked her enthusiasm and she ranks 10th in the section entering the week.

“I have been wanting to learn how to do it because it is a really difficult event with all the technique involved,” said Rudis. “My coach told me this was my event and it has made this year a lot more enjoyable.”

Chapman is a Division III school that competes in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

“They have a good business program and that is what led me to go there academically,” said Rudis. “I really like the location in Orange. It is a cute town. Athletically, I like the type of structure of their teams. They are competitive and the teams are really close.”

Rudis began her Troubadour career playing for the soccer program but eventually found the track and cross country programs.

“It means a lot,” said Rudis. “I played soccer my first year. It was fun but I realized if I wanted to be more serious for my sport than track and cross country would be the better option. Cross country was a side thing to stay in shape and I got close with all the girls.”

With the championship season approaching, Rudis will help the Troubadours in a variety of ways.

“My goals are to work on my self-improvement,” said Rudis. “I want to go far but have a fun, relaxed season.”

Rudis will participate in the St. Francis Signing Day Celebration on April 11 at 8:30 a.m.