PORT ANGELES — One-third of a powerhouse trio that joined the Port Angeles High School girls swim team four years ago has signed to swim in sunny Southern California.

Roughrider Kenzie Johnson signed a letter of intent last week to swim for Biola University, a private, Christian university in La Mirada, Calif. Biola competes at the NCAA Div. II level.

“They have a really great swimming program,” said Johnson. “And obviously great weather.” She also mentioned that Biola is important for her faith.

Port Angeles swimmer Kenzie Johnson signs to swim for Biola University in Southern California.

Johnson won a state championship in a relay event for the Riders as a freshmen. She and fellow freshman Felicia Che and Nadia Cole teamed up with senior Jaine Macias to win the state championship in the 200 medley relay.

Since then, Johnson, who also swims for the Port Angeles Swim Club, has placed at state several times. This past year, she placed sixth in the 100 backstroke and eighth in the 100 freestyle, and was part of two relay teams that placed — the 400 freestyle (third) and the 200 medley relay (fourth). The Port Angeles girls this year finished sixth at state and Johnson was a huge part of that.

Johnson is the first swimmer among that powerful trio to sign to swim in college. She said a Port Angeles friend of hers — another Riders swimmer Alex Hertzog — will be attending a college near Biola.

One interesting connection between Biola and Port Angeles is that several members of the Port Angeles Lefties baseball squad — Jake Portaro, Wyatt Haccou and Devin Sutorius — have been Biola players