ATHLETIC
Pepperdine is classified as an NCAA Division I-AAA school (Division I schools that do not sponsor football), and the Waves are one of the very best of their kind. Since the I-AAA Athletic Director’s Association All-Sports Trophy was established, ranking the various schools on their postseason success, Pepperdine has finished in the top six every single time, including in first place twice (2004-05 and 2005-06). In the annual NACDA Director’s Cup standings, which measures overall postseason success, Pepperdine has finished first among all of its West Coast Conference rivals for 13 straight years.
Men’s Basketball
Jennifer Lacy
Over the years, the Pepperdine men’s basketball program has made 13 NCAA Tournament appearances, captured at least a share of 16 conference titles, won three West Coast Conference Tournament titles and sent dozens of players into professional basketball. Head coach Tom Asbury was one of the top coaches in the WCC’s history from 1989-94 and he has returned to Malibu to help the program thrive once again.
Baseball
The 1992 College World Series champions, Pepperdine baseball has recorded a remarkable 32 straight 30-win seasons. The Waves have advanced to the NCAA Championships 25 times, including five times under head coach Steve Rodriguez. Pepperdine has captured 17 regularseason WCC crowns and four WCC Championship Series titles. Twenty-nine alums have gone on to success in Major League Baseball. Dan Haren
Yakhouba Diawara
Women’s Basketball
With seven postseason appearances in the last 11 seasons, the Pepperdine women’s basketball team has developed into a consistent winner and a contender in the West Coast Conference. The Waves made their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2000 with an at-large bid, then captured the WCC Tournament title and subsequent NCAA appearances in 2002, 2003 and 2006, the most recent coming under head coach Julie Rousseau.
Cross Country / Track
Head coach Robert Radnoti has the goal of national prominence for his cross country and track programs. The Waves were extremely strong in these sports at their SouthCentral campus from the 1930s to the 1960s, with All-Americans and Olympians to their credit. However, the programs were dropped briefly when the university moved its campus to Malibu. The Waves have made great strides in cross country over the years and track was added again in the past few years.
Women’s Soccer
One of the youngest programs on Pepperdine’s campus, the women’s soccer team has quickly developed into among the strongest in recent years. Since its inaugural season in 1993, the Waves have posted 10-win seasons 10 times and made the NCAA Tournament five straight years from 2001-05. Head coach Tim Ward has helped his Waves reach the NCAA’s Sweet 16 on two occasions.
Anna Picarelli