Azusa Pacific University Athletics

THIS YEAR: Redshirt sophomore Erik Soderberg transfers to Azusa Pacific after spending the past 2 seasons at West Coast Conference member University of Portland … Teams with Brice Prather, Danny Rosales and younger brother Lance Soderberg to give Azusa Pacific its largest frontline in over 15 years … A physical player who is quite active and mobile … Excellent rebounder and defender.

PORTLAND: Spent 2 seasons playing for Head Coach Michael Holton at the University of Portland … As a 2003 freshman, appeared in 16 games, all off the bench, averaging 1 point and 1.1 rebounds in 7.4 minutes of action … Best showing came against Pepperdine when he had 5 points in 8 minutes … Redshirted the 2002 season … Was Holton’s first signee to Portland.

HIGH SCHOOL: Played his first 2 seasons at state power Mater Dei before finishing his career at Centennial High in Corona, Calif. … Was a 2-time All-Mountain View League honoree at Centennial … Was a key member of a Husky program that went 56-9 during his 2 seasons … Played for Val Popov at Centennial.

PERSONAL: Born Nov. 11, 1981, in Orange, Calif., to Mark (self employed) and Karen (teacher) Soderberg … Has 2 younger brothers (Lance and Brett) … His father played center 2 seasons at the University of Kentucky for legendary collegiate coach Adolph Rupp during the 1970 and 1971 seasons and prepped at Marina High in Huntington Beach, Calif., playing for Lute Olson … Erik has not declared a major.