Somerset, Ky. -On October 5, 2012 Xin Yan (Cindy) Yu, a senior at Somerset Christian School in Somerset, Kentucky signed an athletic scholarship contract with Bethel University and Coach Monte Cunningham.

Ms. Yu will graduate from Somerset Christian School in the spring of 2013 and will enter Bethel University in August of 2013. Ms. Yu is from Beijing, China and is the daughter of Tian Yu and Yuping Zhang. She is an exchange student who is hosted by Lou and Bonnie Drapeau of Somerset. Cindy will become Bethel's first student-athlete from the People's Republic of China.

Cindy is an excellent student and has declared her intention to major in chemistry. She is a member of the National Honor Society and is the Treasurer of the local chapter at Somerset Christian. Cindy is an active participant in the Unite and Pride service clubs at Somerset Christian.

Cindy is five feet seven inches tall and demonstrated her impressive ball-striking ability to Coach Cunningham while visiting Bethel University in September. A golfer since age seven, she first competed in her native China at age eight. Cindy won several age group titles in China. She has played two seasons with Somerset Christian and looks forward to a third and final season of competition this spring in the Kentucky Christian Athletic Association. Cindy's most memorable moment in high school sports was in her first match. Relegated to the rear of the field in a match versus boys, Cindy finished in near darkness as the individual winner and demonstrated to some surprised young men that she was a talented competitor. Cindy finished as state runner-up in the boys KCAA tournament in the spring of 2012.She was coached by PGA pro Dave Wilson.

Cindy attends HighPoint Cumberland Presbyterian Church with Bethel board of trustees' member Nancy Bean. Mrs. Bean was instrumental in bringing Bethel to Cindy's attention. Cindy chose Bethel because of the students, faculty, and staff impressed her during her two-day visit in September. She was also impressed by the campus and summed up her decision by saying she felt "guided by God" to attend Bethel.

Coach Cunningham is impressed with Cindy's golf and scholastic abilities, but believes her greatest asset is, "A wonderful and engaging personality that will make her a great teammate," he said.