5 Famous Azusa Pacific University Alumni

Quick Links :

Located in Azusa, California, Azusa Pacific University (APU) is a private Christian university that has been a hub for academic excellence and spiritual growth for over 100 years. With a strong commitment to fostering a community of scholars, artists, and leaders, APU has produced numerous accomplished alumni who have made a significant impact in their respective fields. Here are five famous Azusa Pacific University alumni who have achieved great success and recognition:

1. Stephen Strasburg

Stephen Strasburg is a professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Washington Nationals of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on July 20, 1988, in San Diego, California, Strasburg attended West Hills High School before joining Azusa Pacific University, where he played college baseball for the APU Cougars. During his time at APU, Strasburg established himself as one of the top collegiate pitchers in the country, earning numerous awards and accolades, including the Golden Spikes Award. The Washington Nationals selected Strasburg with the first overall pick in the 2009 MLB draft, and he made his major league debut in 2010. Since then, Strasburg has become one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball, winning a World Series championship, three All-Star Game selections, and the National League strikeout leader award.

2. Natalie Gulbis

Natalie Gulbis is a professional golfer who has competed on the LPGA Tour since 2002. Born on January 7, 1983, in Sacramento, California, Gulbis attended Granite Bay High School before joining the University of Arizona on a golf scholarship. However, she transferred to Azusa Pacific University, where she played collegiate golf for the APU Cougars. During her time at APU, Gulbis won two conference championships and was named a First-Team All-American. Gulbis turned pro in 2001 and has since won one LPGA Tour event, the 2007 Evian Masters. She has also represented the United States in several international competitions, including the Solheim Cup.

3. Sam Merk

Sam Merk is a former professional soccer player who competed in Major League Soccer (MLS) for several teams, including the San Jose Earthquakes and the Los Angeles Galaxy. Born on May 1, 1982, in San Diego, California, Merk attended Azusa Pacific University, where he played collegiate soccer for the APU Cougars. During his time at APU, Merk earned numerous awards and accolades, including two NCAA Division II National Player of the Year awards. Merk was drafted by the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft and played professionally for six seasons, scoring 11 goals in 94 appearances.

4. Brandie Burton

Brandie Burton is a former professional golfer who competed on the LPGA Tour from 1991 to 2003. Born on January 8, 1972, in San Bernardino, California, Burton attended Azusa Pacific University, where she played collegiate golf for the APU Cougars. During her time at APU, Burton won several conference championships and was named a First-Team All-American. Burton turned pro in 1991 and won one LPGA Tour event, the 1993 Jamie Farr Toledo Classic. She also represented the United States in several international competitions, including the Solheim Cup.

5. Roger Owens

Roger Owens is a former professional baseball player who competed in Minor League Baseball for several teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants. Born on August 19, 1952, in Fort Worth, Texas, Owens attended Azusa Pacific University, where he played collegiate baseball for the APU Cougars. During his time at APU, Owens earned numerous awards and accolades, including two NAIA All-American selections. Owens was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1974 MLB June Amateur Draft and played professionally for six seasons, hitting.272 in 424 appearances.

These accomplished alumni demonstrate the excellent education and training provided by Azusa Pacific University, preparing students for success in their respective fields.