Dedication Pays Off: Moriarty Senior Abigail Beukelman Signs with The Master’s University

MORIARTY, N.M. — Abigail Beukelman made her college athletic plans official Wednesday, signing a national letter of intent with The Master’s University.

The Moriarty High School senior stands out across campus as a two-sport athlete for the Pintos, anchoring the defense on the soccer field and commanding the paint on the basketball court. But it is her work on the hardwood that punched her ticket to the next level.

Standing 6-foot-3, Beukelman brings immediate presence and length to Santa Clarita, California, joining a Mustangs program that competes in the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) of the NAIA.

The recruitment trail began unexpectedly with an informational outreach from the university’s admissions office. Encouraged by her father to look into the athletics program, Beukelman submitted an athletic recruiting questionnaire. Head coach Fonda Wilson took notice, and the evaluation went into high gear over the summer when Wilson traveled to Las Vegas to scout Beukelman in person during a tournament game.

An official campus visit in August sealed the decision.

“I just really liked the vibe,” Beukelman said. “I really liked how the team worked and the overall commitment to the sport.”

Beyond the basketball court, the institution’s spiritual foundation and academic rigor resonated strongly.

“They were really God-focused, which I really appreciated,” Beukelman said. “Academics are great there, and they really push you hard.”

Beukelman plans to major in political studies with long-term aspirations of entering law enforcement as a criminal investigator.

“I’ve always been into true crime,” Beukelman said. “It can get pretty dark, and it can affect you personally going into a field like that. I wanted to be able to be the type of person to go into a field like that with a God-focused mindset and be able to bring help and happiness to those people that are going through struggles like that.”

Beukelman also hopes to continue pursuing her love of singing through the university’s choir program, an interest fostered by her mother, who is a choir teacher.

On the court, Beukelman joins a tradition-rich NAIA powerhouse. The Master’s University women’s basketball program has earned 17 NAIA national tournament appearances in its history, highlighted by trips to the NAIA national quarterfinals in 2006, 2019, and 2022, and a historic run to the NAIA Fab Four in 2006.

Her prep head coach, Jana Baguskis, emphasized that Beukelman’s collegiate opportunity is the product of relentless dedication. A fixture on Moriarty’s varsity roster since her freshman year, Beukelman experienced an accelerated development curve over the past calendar year.

“Since last January, you’ve just seen an explosion in her desire to just be the best out there, to be the best on the floor,” Baguskis said. “She’s become more of a vocal leader for us, especially this summer. She’s put in the time to be the best. She’s always encouraging people to be out there, and she’s using her voice on the floor.”

Baguskis added that Beukelman’s work ethic frequently extended beyond standard team sessions.

“She realized to be at the level she wants to be at, it takes time and it takes a lot of dedication,” Baguskis said. “It takes reps. Even when I’m not in the gym, I’m getting phone calls: ‘Hey, can you open up the gym?’ That’s what it takes. She’s put in the work. I’m really excited for her for signing, but I’m even more excited to see what she’s going to do for us in the next few months.”

With her collegiate destination secured before the high school basketball winter campaign tips off, Beukelman reflected on the journey from underclassman to college signee.

“Just continue to push yourself,” Beukelman said. “Starting your freshman year, college can seem so far away. But if you keep pushing yourself and staying consistent, it comes faster than you think.”

Beukelman is the daughter of Jim and Bonnie Beukelman.