Issuu

THE PEPPERDINE GRAPHIC Volume LV

Issue 3

October 9, 2026

pepperdine-graphic.com

Pepperdine Swim & Dive sets out to ‘rewrite every single school record.’ Read more on B4

Story by Madison Chavez | Sports Editor Design by Christine Park | Lead Designer Photos by Griffin Pilcher | Photo Editor

The Graphic stands with Jane Doe, The Cornell Daily Sun

Local artist paints murals of ocean pollution

Pepperdine Golf builds future with new clubhouse

As the conversations surrounding sexual assault at Cornell University have increased, college campuses have a duty to support and address these issues on their own campuses. The Graphic explains Pepperdine’s duty to do the same.

A local artist paints messages through four murals across Malibu. Each art piece echoes the importance of limiting ocean pollution and preserving Malibu’s natural beauty.

Pepperdine Golf’s new clubhouse, which opened Sept. 4, gives the men’s and women’s teams expanded access to indoor training technology, team spaces and study areas.

See PERSPECTIVES | A5

See LIFE & ARTS | B2

See SPORTS | B5

October 9, 2026 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Oct. 14

Upcoming Letter from the Editor: Cornell 7 sexual assault Events case affects all of us

Pepperdine Gives The annual 24-hour fundraising event where the Waves community celebrates the spirit of giving and supports the 150 programs across the University. RSVP not required.

Oct. 22-24 Product Innovation Conference The virtual program is an intensive experience, equipping attendees to launch innovative products that drive growth, reduce risk and create lasting market value. RSVP required.

Oct. 25 Malibu Moves The annual community running festival along Pacific Coast Highway with 5K, 10K and halfmarathon races to raise funds for community initiatives. RSVP required to race.

Oct. 30 Pepperdine Choir Concert Pepperdine Choir will perform their fall showcase in Stauffer Chapel at 7:30 p.m., with special guest pianist, Hiroyo Hatsuyama. RSVP not required.

Nov. 5 Event Excellence Summit The summit prepares event planners with practical tools, resources and best practices for successful events from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Wilburn Auditorium. RSVP required.

Amanda Monahan Managing Editor

Dear Pepperdine community, Devastating news regarding sexual assault cases on college campuses has spread across the country — most notably, the case of the Cornell 7. Jane Doe, a former Cornell student, filed a lawsuit against Cornell University, several Chi Phi fraternity organizations, seven current and former students and others for an alleged gang rape at the Chi Phi fraternity house in 2024. Cornell’s student newspaper, The Cornell Daily Sun, published a story about the lawsuit Sept. 18 before publishing an editorial titled “Cornell Won’t, We Will,” naming the seven men in Jane Doe’s lawsuit and calling on the university to do better. “During an interview with The Sun, the sexual assault task force co-lead and Dean of Students Marla Love said that ‘the charge was never for us to solve the problem,’” The Sun wrote in their editorial. Between 2023 and 2025 — part of which the university spent creating its sexual assault task force as a five-month-late response to Jane Doe’s alleged rape — Cornell saw an increase in “nonconsensual sexual contact” from 11% to 15%, with a fifth of the incidents against undergraduate women occurring in fraternity houses or annexes. “If the task force’s mission was not supposed to solve the problem of sexual assault, as Love has stated, then it has been a resounding success,” The Sun wrote.

reporting and commend The increase in sexual their work. assault cases on college As reporting on this case campuses is a conversation continues, remember that it that needs to be had. was student journalists at the More importantly, it is a forefront of this reporting — conversation that students college students like us at the need to feel like they can have. Graphic, and like those of you When an institution reading this. exemplifies actions like And as discussions Cornell’s, it is no wonder that surrounding sexual assault only 45% of students who on college campuses increase, have been victims of sexual remember that there are assault believed their school resources and people around would take reports of sexual you. Bluelight Phones across assault seriously, according campus can be used to call to the Rape, Abuse & Incest the Department of Public National Network (RAINN). Safety (DPS), RAINN has As a college campus, a 24/7 hotline available at Pepperdine also holds a responsibility to its students to 800-656-4673 and the Santa Monica Rape Treatment say something — an email of acknowledgement, a reminder Center is open 24/7, 15 miles from campus. DPS can also of campus resources or an be reached at 310-506-4441. outline of reporting protocols If you feel unheard by the would have been better than University or those around the silence the University has you, please come to the exhibited thus far. Graphic. We want to hear your The same way college story, and we want you to feel campuses are responsible for heard. Because to us, every having these conversations, story is a story worth telling. student-run newspapers are responsible for, and have consistently shown, their This story was copy edited by duty in reporting on issues when they feel as though their Lila Rendel. campus leaders fall short. I, along with the other staff members at the Graphic, have amanda.monahan@pepperdine.edu been following The Sun’s

25 SEPT

MISSION STATEMENT

At Shafer House, crime reported for drug-related possession of a controlled substance.

22 SEPT

At Lower Dorm Road, crime reported for trespassing. Public Safety officers responded to an unauthorized solicitor. Individual was escorted out.

“Pepperdine Graphic Media (PGM) is an editorially independent student news organization that focuses on Pepperdine University and the surrounding communities. PGM consists of the digital and print Graphic, a variety of special publications, GNews, Currents Magazine, social media platforms and an Advertising Department. These platforms serve the community with news, opinion, contemporary information and a public forum for discussion. PGM strengthens students for purpose, service and leadership by developing their skills in writing, editing and publication production, by providing a vehicle to integrate and implement their liberal arts education, and by developing students’ critical thinking through independent editorial judgment. PGM participates in Pepperdine’s Christian mission and affirmations, especially the pursuit of truth, excellence and freedom in a context of public service. Although PGM reports about Pepperdine University and coordinates with curricula in journalism and other disciplines, it is a student (not a University) news organization. Views expressed are diverse and, of course, do not correspond to all views of any University board, administration, faculty, staff, student or other constituency.”

16 SEPT

At Richard H. Banowsky House, crime reported for underage possession of alcohol, possession of marijuna on campus. Emergency services responded to reported student having a negative reaction to substances. Email: peppgraphicmedia@gmail.com peppgraphicadvertising@gmail.com Phone: (310) 506-4311 Address: Student Publications Pepperdine University 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy. Malibu, CA 90263

October 9, 2026 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Pepperdine releases first-year census Natalie Amoroso News Staff Writer Kristy Collins, dean of Enrollment Management, released the Pepperdine Class of 2030 student census in a Sept. 30 email to the Graphic. The report included statistics on enrollment, GPA averages and male-to-female ratio. This year’s freshman class brought in 1,084 students, representing a 21-student increase from the Class of 2029, with both classes sharing an average high school GPA of 3.54. The University enrolled 87 transfer students this year and 677 in-state students with 334 of those students within 50 miles of the institution. Pepperdine enrolled 70 international students, an 11-person

decrease from the year prior. “When picking my schools I knew that I didn’t want to leave California because I wanted to be close to my family,” firstyear Stephanie Garcia-Ortiz said. “That’s why I like Pepperdine so much, it’s only an hour away from home. Having that reassurance that I can come home on Friday to get away from the busy campus makes me feel better.” 95 new student athletes were recruited, six more than the Class of 2029 with multiple notable additions to the rosters. Women’s Indoor Volleyball Head Coach Scott Wong recruited seven new freshmen, making it the largest recruiting class. Men’s Basketball brought in freshman forward/guard Alex Constanza, ranked No.

47 in the 2026 SCNEXT 100, ESPN’s national high-school recruiting database. Men’s Water Polo brought in freshman center Ivan Khramtsov from Canada, and has already begun rotating freshman utility Will Stuart into the game. Freshman Sullivan Leonard, middle blocker for Women’s Indoor Volleyball, shared why she chose Pepperdine. “I chose Pepperdine because of the outstanding coaching and staff and team culture it brought,” Leonard said. “The location is an obvious give away, but there are so many factors outside of volleyball as well that make this place so special. I have been enjoying bonding with my team and meeting new people.” Following the previous

year’s pattern, the Class of 2030 brought in 706 females and 425 males. The most popular divisions included Business Administration with 331 students, Natural Science with 230 students, Social Science with 215 students and Communication with 119. Among majors, business was the most popular, bringing in 220 students, an increase of 22 from the Class of 2029. Biology follows with 135 students, a decrease from the previous year’s 143. Psychology enrolled 91 students this year, only a difference of three from the Class of 2029. The College of Health Science also announced its second nursing cohort, with 64 firstyear students. Some of the smallest

first-years’ majors include Computer Science with seven students, Integrated Marketing Communications with 24 students and Sport Administration with 33 students. This story was copy edited by Lila Rendel.

natalie.amoroso@pepperdine.edu

Infographic by Christine Park | Lead Designer

PCH death toll raises to 64 after crash Amanda Monahan Managing Editor A car crash on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) on Saturday morning near Nobu resulted in the death of 51-yearold Ryo Uchimiya. Uchimiya was a chef at Nobu for 25 years, described by his coworkers as a father, a husband and the heart behind Nobu’s sushi bar. The crash occurred around 6:50 a.m., near Carbon Canyon Road. Uchimiya was reportedly sleeping in his parked car on the shoulder of the 22600 block of PCH before his shift. A 16-year-old boy driving a Range Rover crashed into the back of the car, and the crash involved four vehicles total, according to L.A. County Sheriff’s Deputies. Uchimiya’s death marks the 64th life taken on PCH since 2010. The crash is still under investigation, but speed may have been a factor, according to Sergeant Christopher Soderlund.

Photo by Liam Stringer | Currents Assistant Photo Editor Flowers and candles lie near the PCH crash site in front of Nobu on Wednesday, Oct. 7. The crash resulted in the death of beloved Nobu Chef Ryo Uchimiya, raising the PCH death toll to 64.

October 9, 2026 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Form 990 reveals Pepp’s top earners Marcos Lizarraga News Editor Pepperdine released its 2025 Internal Revenue Service Form 990, a financial form that tax-exempt organizations are required to file annually and publicly disclose, according to the IRS. The document contains financial information regarding Pepperdine’s primary spending activities, contractor partnerships and its highest-paid employees from Aug. 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025. Total revenue at Pepperdine climbed to $755,116,691 for the fiscal year ending July 2025. This marks an increase of nearly $49.6 million compared to the $705,484,656 reported in the 2024 fiscal year. This also represents a rise from the previous three-year high, when the University brought in $724,218,664. Operating expenses rose to $666,452,572, continuing the upward trend in costs the University has maintained for decades. The previous fiscal year saw $664,734,965 in operating expenses. Revenue growth, however, outpaced the rise in costs. Pepperdine’s net income experienced a notable rebound after declining in recent years. The 2025 fiscal year ended

with $88,664,119 in net income, more than doubling the $40,749,691 recorded in July 2024. Student fees and residential housing continued to generate the majority of University operations. Pepperdine brought in $498,357,943 in student tuition and fees along with $50,092,254 in housing revenue. Combined, tuition fees and housing totaled $548,450,197, accounting for roughly 72.6% of Pepperdine’s total revenue. Fundraising also saw a notable spike, with total contributions and grants climbing to $56,339,649 after dropping to $31,484,848 in the 2024 fiscal year. President Jim Gash once again topped the University’s payroll, earning $1,323,005 in total compensation, representing a $121,456 increase from the previous year. Provost Jay Brewster retained the second spot with $855,535. Brewster’s compensation for fiscal year 2025 was $37,296 lower than fiscal year 2024. Gash and Brewster were then followed by Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Phil Phillips at $716,982. The filing also highlighted financial commitments that were made to Men’s Basketball across recent coaching changes. Former Head Basketball

Photo by Marcos Lizarraga | News Editor The first page of Pepperdine’s form 990 tax filing ending July 2025. The Internal Revenue Service uses the form to verify that an organization continues to qualify for tax-exempt status.

Coach Ed Schilling — who was hired in April 2024 and let go in March 2026 after two seasons — appeared as the fourth highest earner overall, taking home $579,291. Former Head Basketball Coach Lorenzo Romar — who left Pepperdine in March 2024 — remained among the highest-paid individuals in 2025 at eighth overall, earning $479,286. Pepperdine employed 5,155 individuals — a number that includes student workers —

during the 2025 fiscal year, a slight decrease from the 5,165 workers reported the previous year. Outside of payroll, the University scaled back on its marketing budget, spending $6,282,245 on advertising and promotional expenses, down from $8,193,423 the previous year. As for independent contractors, expenditures centered around online learning support and campus expansion.

Pepperdine paid $54,190,121 to e-learning partner 2U and $11,411,379 to food service provider Bon Appétit. Physical campus development saw significant investments as well, with Pepperdine paying a combined $97,104,410 across three primary construction groups. This story was copy edited by Lila Rendel

marcos.lizarraga@pepperdine.edu

Oc tober 9, 2026

The Graphic

pepperdin e - graphic .com

PERSPECTIVES

THE PEPPERDINE GRAPHIC SENIOR LEADERS

Managing Editor Currents Editor-in-Chief Special Edition Editor News Editor Perspectives Editor Life & Arts Editor Sports Editor Lead Designer Photo Editor Art Editor Copy Chief Social Media Manager Digital Editor Pixel Editor Head Podcast Producer Advertising Director

Amanda Monahan Haylie Ross Nina Fife Marcos Lizarraga Ashley Burton Alexa McGlathery Madison Chavez Christine Park Griffin Pilcher Cara Tang Lila Rendel Bella Mikha Karla Suzuki Shalom Montgomery Ellya Asatryan Jonathan Jimenez

THE PGM STAFF Art by Rebecca Horowitz | Staff Artist

Staff Editorial: The Graphic stands with Jane Doe and The Cornell Daily Sun

News Team News Staff Writers Oliver Evans Natalie Amoroso Life & Arts Team Assistant Life & Arts Editor Life & Arts Staff Writers

Jordan Baquiran Alyssa Avelar Lang Cooper Triniti Gregg Dalainey Moore Sydnie Nuss Aurelia Sebastian

Perspectives Team

Graphic Staff Editor’s Note: PGM staff members decide on the topic of a staff editorial together. The staff as a whole provides opinions and content included in this staff editorial to provide thoughts about and shed light on solutions for happenings at Pepperdine.

n light of the recent conversation surrounding sexual assault at Cornell University, the Graphic wishes to remind the Pepperdine community of the importance of these conversations on our campus. College campuses should be a haven where all students feel safe and supported. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. A former Cornell student filed a lawsuit in September 2024 alleging she was drugged and gang-raped by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity. She reported the assault to university police, yet the report never stretched beyond the campus walls. Instead, the university took matters into their own hands — this resulted in the expulsion of two of the accused assaulters, yet the remaining five had a different consequence: writing essays, according to The Cornell Daily Sun. Although seven are alleged to have gang-raped the survivor, 57 men were in a group chat

on Snapchat, where messages included encouraging each other to enter the bedroom where Jane Doe was undressed and incapacitated, according to The New York Times. It is reported that around 1 in 4 female college students are raped or sexually assaulted during their time in college. It is also reported that 90% of assaults go unreported, according to the American Psychological Association. Further, it is important to note that Cornell’s student newspaper, The Cornell Daily Sun, kept up with the story when no one else did, dating back two years. With the deep care of these student journalists in following the story, they went public with the lawsuit Sept. 18 before publishing an editorial Sept. 22 titled “Cornell Won’t, We Will.” As a college campus, Pepperdine has a duty to have these conversations on our Malibu campus. And as student journalists, it is our duty to hold people accountable — just as The Cornell Daily Sun did. The Office of Community Standards sent an email to the Pepperdine community Sept. 25 regarding the University’s philosophy on alcohol and drugs. While the email made clear its hope to prioritize student safety regarding its drug and alcohol policies, it made no mention of sexual assault or the recent events at Cornell. While some groups at

Pepperdine have publicly posted statements standing with Jane Doe, the University’s silence on the matter only contributes to the larger issues surrounding sexual assault on college campuses. The Graphic stands with Jane Doe and other victims of sexual assault, and we hope to shed light on this issue as it pertains to our own campus. Aside from contacting the Department of Public Safety or local police, students seeking confidential support can utilize the Pepperdine Counseling Center, Student Health Center or reach out to the University Chaplain, according to Pepperdine’s website. Students can also contact the Title IX Office, and the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) hotline runs 24/7 at 800-656-4673.

Assistant Perspectives Editor Perspectives Staff Writers

Karina Guzman Julianna Charnecki Riley McGeehon Abby Samuel

Sports Team Assistant Sports Editor Sports Staff Writers

Genevieve Cantu Grace Boktor Lang Cooper Melodi Mendez Dalainey Moore Aliana Olmos Rivers Pope

Copy Team Life & Arts Copy Editor Perspectives Copy Editor Sports Copy Editor

Haylie Ross Caitlin Murray Olivia Schlossin

Photo Team Assistant Photo Editor Staff Photographers

This story was copy edited by Caitlin Murray.

Olivia Schneider Gabriella Anzelc Oliver Evans Guinevere Hesse Jack Johnson Gretchen Langholz Louisa McQulling Owen Parker Knox Vestal

Design Team Design Assistants

Lang Cooper Ming Hsu

Art Team Assistant Art Editor Staff Artists

This QR code links to The Cornell Daily Sun’s Cornell Chi Phi Lawsuit page. peppgraphicmedia@gmail.com

Sofia Cifuentes Rebecca Horowitz Mariah Mapa Ava Miller

Podcast Team Podcast Producers

Nicolle Assumpcao Gretchen Langholz

October 9, 2026 | PERSPECTIVES | Pepperdine Graphic Media

AI-generated advertising falls flat Karina Guzman

Assistant Perspectives Editor Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.

very day, content rapidly circulates through the online life cycle — getting posted, shared and liked before dying at the hands of a harsh algorithm. Increasingly so, AI-generated images and videos have joined this cycle, originally tricking 17% out of 50,000 when AI content first became common in a 2024 study, according to the Institute for Public Relations. As AI content advances, people are less likely to be sure whether what they’re viewing is AI — but one sentiment remains. Besides the ever-evolving arguments surrounding the ethics of AI content, at its most superficial, people from all sides of the argument have expressed that AI is unattractive for a business to use. For example, around 73% of Americans agree they would be less inclined to buy from a clothing brand that uses AI to design their clothes, according to Techopedia. This brings about the question: Why do AI advertisements look so tacky? There are scientific explanations for explaining AI’s “exquisitely nauseating images,” according to an article by

The Verge. One of these is diffusion modeling, often the culprit behind AI’s textural faults. Diffusion models begin with pure color and static, before being clarified up to millions of times before reaching an actual image resembling the prompt, according to The Atlantic. “Noodles, strands and tendrils are exactly the kind of geometry that trips this up, so you get spaghetti-like artifacts bleeding into places with no anatomical or culinary logic,” behavioral scientist Giovanbattista Califano said in an article by The Verge. This explains the often overly textured or shiny-looking foods in something like an AI-generated menu. The second reason AI ads come off uncanny is due to the sheer amount of content we feed to AI. It’s easy to forget, but a computer algorithm cannot experience the world in the way humans can. “We see a lot of fantasy-style art and stock photography, which then trickles into the models themselves,” said Ziv Epstein, a scientist at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI, in an article by The Atlantic. This means that often, when trying to generate a specifically-themed advertisement, AI will still pull from every possibility that’s available to it for that “theme,” creating an amalgamation of everything it sees. Although specific prompts can help, they cannot necessarily offset the fact that AI

requires an overwhelming amount of varying descriptions from the internet to formulate vaguely human depictions of the world. These reasons, among other common errors, contribute to tacky color schemes, overcrowded posters, unpleasing fonts and uncanny depictions of food. On top of AI’s visual insecurities, the fact that very similar algorithms are all pulling from the same sources means all of these ads are prone to looking similar, as AI cannot really conceptualize unique ideas in the same way a graphic designer or artist could. “It feels to me like a really clever student who has memorized everything for the test but doesn’t have a deep understanding of the concept,” said Terence Tao, a mathematician and professor at the University of California, Los Angeles in an article by The New York Times. Statements like these emphasize that, although AI can create ads, none of that process is possible independent of preexisting art and design. Even in the scenario in which AI does manage to create original, good-looking ads, human-made work is simply better on the basis that it comes from more than a speedy algorithm; human-made works require time, emotional input and exposure, whereas AI just takes this input and regurgitates it. With its usage comes an onslaught of backlash, such as the comments

Art by Ava Miller | Staff Artist found under an Instagram post by LA Times Food commenting on businesses’ usage of AI for posters. Comments overwhelmingly expressed that upon seeing AI-generated menus, customers feel inclined to take their business elsewhere. Using AI to promote anything is throwing something mediocre and overdone into a sea of similar-looking AI-generated content and doesn’t look as good as any original concepts executed with human effort involved. If businesses or online content creators truly want to stand out in the age of AI, they should lean into humanity, not an uncanny imitation of it. This story was copy edited by Caitlin Murray.

karina.guzman@pepperdine.edu

The NFL is America’s top sports league As the cherry on top, many leagues have some sort of buy-in, requiring participants to add money to a pot that eventually becomes the spoils of the league winner, according to WeekOneFantasy. Other leagues have grueling punishments for the league loser, disincentivizing participants from giving up.

Riley McGeehon Perspectives Staff Writer Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.

The Super Bowl & Playoffs

ports culture is as embedded within the American DNA as anything could possibly get. Nearly three-quarters of surveyed adults in the United States watch at least one of the premier American pro sports leagues: NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL. Reigning as the most popular is the NFL. An estimated 43% of Americans watched or planned to watch football in the first quarter of 2025, according to Statista. The immense popularity of American football is no accident, but rather a result of multiple important factors.

Art by Sofia Cifuentes | Staff Artist In the modern attention economy, it’s much more tempting for a spectator to tune out if each individual game is inconsequential. Having 17 games makes each feel like a true event.

17-Game Structure The Fantasy Upside An economist may tell you that scarcity creates value, and that same very principle applies to sports. The NFL hosts a scant 17-game regular season, a proportionately low number when you consider the league’s contemporaries. In contrast, the NHL and NBA share a count of 82 games in the regular season, while the MLB boasts a whopping 162 games. The math works out to approximately five times more NBA/NHL games than NFL games, and 9.5 times more MLB games than NFL games. So what? Bloated regular seasons just can’t compete with the concision of the NFL. When there are so many games in a season, the individual value of each game can’t help but diminish. The crushing losses and soaring highs of the season are felt much more strongly when there’s such a small amount of football to be played. You lose 10 games in the NBA, and you’re still easily one of the best teams in history. If you lose 10 games in the NFL, you aren’t scratching the playoffs.

One of the biggest allures of the football fandom is fantasy. Each year fans gather together to draft players onto their imaginary teams in hopes of winning the league and escaping humiliating punishment. Fantasy football functions as an exercise in NFL knowledge, where participants have to create well-rounded teams on draft day, make informed trades with others and shift their starting rosters around weekly. For the vast majority of us who don’t achieve our pro dreams, this brings the football closer to us. A key feature of fantasy is the promotion of varied game watching. In theory, a fantasy football player chooses, in their mind, the best players on the board. These sets of players are often from numerous different teams. This fact encourages fans to tune into games beyond those of their own team. Fantasy football creates interest in teams and games that would otherwise be irrelevant.

The Super Bowl is often the most watched event in American television, with the last five years of Super Bowls each possessing over 100 million viewers, according to USA Today. The Super Bowl and the entirety of the NFL playoffs are elevated by their single-elimination nature. Unlike the NBA, NHL or MLB, which have playoffs that operate on a series basis, each NFL playoff game is win-or-go-home. The athletes are given no reprieve from the ire of the fans in light of defeat. A catastrophic playoff performance is a career-defining disaster rather than a blip in a multi-game series. The pressure on these players’ backs forges both major superstars and meltdowns alike. The massive stage of the Super Bowl amplifies the aforementioned stakes tenfold. The spectacle is massive, amplified by the halftime show, which will pull even the sportsball-averse into the family room. As the 2026 NFL season commences, I look forward to a great season ahead full of back-and-forth battles, awe-inspiring comebacks and, God willing, a Bengals Super Bowl. Whatever unfolds in the next 14 weeks, I’m certain myself and football fans alike will be reminded of how special the game truly is. Put the pieces together, and the NFL’s viewership unipolarity makes a great deal of sense. I’ll continue to watch and love an array of sports, but I can safely say the NFL delivers the best product. This story was copy edited by Caitlin Murray. riley.mcgeehon@pepperdine.edu

October 9, 2026 | PERSPECTIVES | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Recent storms are a symptom of US climate policy Abby Samuel Perspectives Staff Writer Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.

elentless rain, stuffy dark cumulonimbus clouds barricading the sun, a pervasive chill following electric shortages, the ruins of centuries-old homes, overwhelming loss — all hallmarks of the weather catastrophes that have ravaged the Southwest Pacific Coast over the past year. During former President Joe Biden’s administration, the federal government chose to combat climate catastrophes, including a commitment to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by 52% under the Paris Agreement, according to the World Resources Institute. In July 2025, Congress passed President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, which repealed most environmental provisions that dealt with energy and electricity, restrictions on types of fuels and vehicles and manufacturing restrictions put in place to reduce emissions, according to Carbon Brief. This wasn’t the first time Trump withdrew the United States from climate policies either. During Trump’s

first term in July 2017, he withdrew from the Paris Agreement, claiming that it would be detrimental to the country’s economic growth, according to Time Magazine. As a result, the United States is now one out of only four U.N. member countries not part of the agreement, according to Time Magazine. Interestingly enough, there is a predicted increase in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by around 190 million metric tons per year in 2030 and 190 million more tons by 2035, according to Princeton University’s Zero Lab. That’s a 2% increase in the amount of emissions in 2030 and 7% in 2035. Intense weather fluctuations have been occurring in the past year at an alarming rate, with experts predicting an upcoming Super El Niño, which is potentially projected to be the most intense Super El Niño ever seen before, according to the World Resources Institute. This month, intense monsoons have ensued all over the Pacific coast, leading to some flash flooding that has resulted in the death of three people, according to MSN. Two hurricanes terrorized the coasts of Southern California’s coastal cities. Hurricane Marie contributed to intense recent flash flooding and large waves in Southern California’s coastal cities, according to MSN.

Art by Mariah Mapa | Staff Artist While impossible to prove direct causation in the short span of 12 months, the correlation of these dangerous weather patterns to recent policy changes is alarming and points to a treacherous future ahead. The United Nations Climate Change Panel clearly warns of the dangers of not meeting climate goals, potentially leading to severe droughts, heatwaves and overwhelming rainfall, according to the United Nations. All of these forewarned weather consequences are increasingly becoming a reality. Retreating from climate responsibilities is certainly not the best course of action during a time stricken by dangerous, extreme weather. Especially today, when it is virtually impossible to ignore its effects, as well as costing the United States over $100 billion from natural disasters just last year,

according to ABC. Extreme rainfall and flooding expose the country’s vulnerability to climate change and the possible dangers this trajectory might pose; the decision to retract from international climate cooperation warrants reevaluation. It is imperative to push back against policies that oppose climate action. Vote in upcoming elections, contact representatives, join advocacy groups, work with environmental nonprofits, engage in virtuous conversations with peers and advocate for climate measures that protect our communities. Our future depends on it. This story was copy edited by Caitlin Murray.

abby.samuel@pepperdine.edu

Voting restrictions suppress millions Julianna Charnecki Perspectives Staff Writer Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.

he falling leaves and temperature are indicators of a season many know and love: election season. Reaching the ballot is important, but it’s increasingly — and needlessly — hard for those far from home. Though many students only travel a few hours, Pepperdine prides itself on locational diversity, with nearly half of the student body being from out of state or out of the country, according to College Factual. Being away from their hometowns, not all students have the ability to travel for in-person voting. A study that sampled over 1,000 colleges and universities in the country found that 76% of college students are registered to vote, yet 53% of these students voted in the 2024 election, according to The Tisch College Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University (CIRCLE). Because that was a presidential cycle, the turnout is typically higher than midterms, which saw 23% of college students vote, according to CIRCLE. While turnout has increased over time, college-aged citizens have regularly had the lowest participation out of all groups, according to CIRCLE. Registering to vote isn’t a simple process, nor the same across each state. Many states don’t allow online registration, according to USAGov. The common justification for a strict, lengthy process is to secure voting from foreign influence, as claimed by Law Shun, yet many feel these methods are inconvenient and act as voter suppression, according to the Harvard Kennedy Center. Federal and state elections — though debated in many states, according to Ballotpedia — require the

Art by Ava Miller | Staff Artist voter to be a U.S. citizen, according to Vote.gov. Valid documents vary across different states. Some accept photo identification such as a driver’s license while others accept non-photo identification like birth certificates, according to the U.S. Vote Foundation. Possessing identification for voter registration is more difficult for those outside of the middle and upper classes: 35% of those without a high school diploma don’t own a license at all, compared to 24% of those with a high school diploma and 17% with a college diploma, according to a study at the Center for Democracy and Civil Engagement (CDCE). These trends lead to racial, gender and even party disparities, according to the CDCE. Even birth certificates and Social Security cards

can be complicated to obtain. Barriers that prevent individuals from getting these basic documents typically include a lack of permanent residence for mailing, high expenses and discriminatory practices, according to the Movement Advancement Project. Those are just restrictions for those without an ID, not including outdated information that commonly affects newly married couples, anyone who has moved residences or transgender individuals, according to the Movement Advancement Project. Mail-in ballots require current information and a valid, documented reason in no-excuse states, according to USAGov. This affects every college student outside of their home county, state or country. These restrictions, while aimed at stopping fraud, don’t decrease these crimes: They were low to begin with. Several studies analyzing rates of voter fraud found that 0.000043% of absentee ballots in all general elections were fraudulent, according to Brookings Institution. In-person, out of over one billion votes cast between 2000 and 2014, only 31 cases were credible cases of fraud, according to News21. These examples predate many of the restrictions following the 2020 election. These restrictions aren’t stopping the under 100 cases of fraud — they’re stopping millions from voting. Verification of identity is important, but there must be easy and cheap access to statewide ID cards to level the playing field. With that being said, the most important way to prevent voter suppression is, ironically, voting. This country is a democracy, so showing up to the ballot box — or post office with an absentee ballot — can defend voting for every American, regardless of background. This story was copy edited by Caitlin Murray.

julianna.charnecki@pepperdine.edu

Oc tober 9, 2026

The Graphic

pepperdin e - graphic .com

LIFE & ARTS

Photo by Lang Cooper | Life & Arts Staff Writer “As Above, So Below” hangs in the front room of the Malibu City Gallery in “The Space Between” exhibition. Local artist Jessie Chaney said the pieces were shot on film.

‘The Space Between’ Exhibit brings authenticity to City Gallery Lang Cooper Life & Arts Staff Writer Tucked inside Malibu City Hall, photographer Jessie Chaney’s art exhibition explores themes of the connection between worlds. “The Space Between” opened Sept. 14 and will be on display through Oct. 23 in the Malibu City Gallery. Growing up in Malibu, Chaney said she is thrilled to have her first solo exhibit open in her hometown. Made up of three series, “Spirit in the Sky,” “Memory of a Space” and “As Above, So Below,” the exhibition serves to tell the story of Chaney’s career in photography. “I took my first photography class at Malibu High and I fell in love with photography the second that I developed my first roll of film in the dark room,” Chaney said. “Having my first solo show in my hometown, where I became a photographer and my artistic journey started in a lot of ways, is a beautiful full circle moment.” About “The Space Between” Graduating from Brown University in 2007 with degrees in photography and art history and earning a masters in photojournalism at The London College in 2012, Chaney credits her education as her inspiration and influence for her work. “My studies of the practice, but also of art history, have really informed and shaped my

own practice,” Chaney said. “I am inspired by those that have come before me on this path as an artist.” Although each series in the exhibition showcases various themes, they are all woven together by the idea of the space between worlds. Chaney said it felt important for her to show her love of nature and the ocean being in Malibu. “I’m always looking for energy, light and a feeling of vibration if that can be captured in a steel frame,” Chaney said. “Also, I love the kind of magic hour where it just feels that there is this beautiful connection between worlds, so that’s part of what ‘The Space Between’ is about.”

The quietly reserved parts like the muted color palette and the way the water is reflected really lures you into it. Naomi Sheridan Junior

Senior art major Fiona Hastings said she admires the exhibit’s focus on nature. As she often paints nature herself, Hastings said she finds the whimsy, energy and spirit of

each piece inspiring to her own work. “I really love this contrast between nature and also more man-made, manufactured items — like how she edited in the bright colors like the neon reds, oranges and blues in a really beautiful contrast,” Hastings said. “As an artist, it’s so inspiring to see that element of lightness and intrinsic meaning behind her pieces.” Working on “Memory of Space” for over 10 years, Chaney highlights the joy that can come from desolate places. She said she has never sought out such a place, but that the places always seem to find her on her various travels and adventures. “It’s like a treasure hunt when you are there and finding these beautiful messages of hope, light, love or inspiration in these places where you would often least expect it,” Chaney said. Hastings said this series is her favorite because of the intrigue that each piece creates and the storytelling she sees behind them. “It all feels so beautifully taken, as if there isn’t a lot of editing,” Hastings said. “That added-in color and light I think really is an additional element of intrigue and makes me curious as to the meaning behind each piece.” Students’ Opinions For junior Naomi Sheridan, an art and art history double major, the piece “You Are Exactly Where You Are Meant To

Be” in the “Memory of Space” series is her favorite in the exhibition. As Sheridan loves to paint skies and oceans, she said the piece presents her with ideas to reflect upon.

I fell in love with photography the second that I developed my first roll of film in the dark room. Jessie Chaney Local Artist

“The quietly reserved parts like the muted color palette and the way the water is reflected really lures you into it,” Sheridan said. In her most recent and current favorite series, “As Above, So Below,” Chaney shot the photos on film — the first medium of photography she used during her time at Malibu High. The personal series has been a part of Chaney’s journey escaping grief and healing. The series premiered with the opening of the exhibition. “It’s brought back this excitement for me again about the magic of photography and the mystery of shooting on film and not knowing what you’re

going to get,” Chaney said. “It’s always a bit vulnerable to put out new work into the world as an artist, so I felt like being in Malibu where this all began felt like the appropriate place to do so.” Chaney said she plans to continue exploring the themes of grief and healing as she hopes to develop “As Above, So Below” into a book. Sheridan said she appreciates the authentic feel to Chaney’s work. “I like how reserved and honest this artwork is,” Sheridan said. “It’s definitely saying something, but it’s also just beautiful. I feel like right now, it’s all about art having to make this huge statement or change the world somehow. What I like about these is she’s taking photos of these places while remaining very whole and authentic to how they are.” Chaney advises the next generation of artists to follow their own passions, just as she has done. She said she will continue to make space for art and creativity in her life. “Find what it is that you love, find your practice, your style, your niche, your thing,” Chaney said. “I believe everybody has their own unique gift on this planet, and so don’t worry about what it looks like or what other people are doing — just do you.” This story was copy edited by Haylie Ross.

lang.cooper@pepperdine.edu

October 9, 2026 | LIFE & ARTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Local artist paints messages through murals Sydnie Nuss Life & Arts Staff Writer Malibu holds beauty and awareness within its wildlife. The Malibu Art Commission chose one local artist earlier in 2026 to help emphasize the importance of limiting ocean pollution from storm drains through painted murals. Jen Swain, the artist chosen, created a collection of murals titled “One Ocean, One Connection” to spread awareness about waste traveling into the ocean. Raised in Malibu, Swain said she strives to help the community. “Being around sea life [in Malibu], I was wanting to show that these drains do drain into the ocean,” Swain said. “We want to be conscious and aware of what we put in the streets so that we don’t pollute the ocean.”

The storm drains were previously painted in 2014 and 2018. The latest project began with a call for qualifications from interested artists, according to the Malibu Arts Commission website. “They wanted to redo the artwork that they had,” Swain said. “I submitted my artwork and [the City of Malibu] selected it.”

Enjoy the art and for yourself, do more art. It’s super fun, and it’s super good for your soul. Jen Swain Local Malibu Artist

The Creation Painting with Purpose Swain said she grew up painting and has specifically focused on painting murals for the past eight years. “I love Malibu and it’s vibe,” Swain said. “When they said [one of these murals] was gonna be in The Malibu Country Mart I was like, ‘Wait that’s so home,’ so it’s just very exciting to be back in Malibu.”

The murals not only spark awareness about pollution, but they also aim to unite people, Swain said. Community engagement factored into Swain’s painting process. “I’ve already had several people walk by, and I’m like, ‘You wanna paint a fish?’ and they were like, ‘Yes,’ and so I

Photo by Alexa McGlathery | Life & Arts Editor Local artist Jen Swain paints bubbles and fish onto her Malibu Country Mart mural Sept. 19. She said the mural is the final installation in the “One Ocean, One Connection” series.

had them come and stop and paint a fish,” Swain said. Malibu is hosting a Buzz, Bloom and Paint event Oct. 10 where guests can paint a mural for the Pollinator Garden located at Malibu Bluffs Park. “Enjoy the art and [for] yourself, do more art,” Swain said. “It’s super fun, and it’s super good for your soul.” The Impact Some students said they connect well with Swain’s art.

“I think the message of it is very beautiful, especially for the area that we are in,” junior Sage Marron said. “It brings a lot of good awareness in such a wonderful way.” Other students said the locations of the murals are what make them the most impactful. “It’s very impactful because we specifically are so close to the ocean,” junior Ashely Cunnigham said. “Waste and produce leads to ocean quicker.” The four murals are located

in the Malibu Country Mart, Trancas Canyon Park, the intersection of Phillip Avenue and Morning View Drive and the Point Dume Village. This story was copy edited by Haylie Ross.

sydnie.nuss@pepperdine.edu

Food Review: Bread Head’s best meal Alexa McGlathery Life & Arts Editor Transparency Item: A review provides an informed and opinionated critique. These informed critiques are published to make a recommendation to readers. This review is the opinion of the writer. Tucked away in a small storefront on Montana Avenue lives the tiny but mighty Bread Head, an award-winning sandwich shop that found its home in Santa Monica in 2024. The shop features a select menu solely containing sandwiches — although the selection is small, the sandwiches speak for themselves. Bread Head offers one of the most delicious sandwiches across the city. The Turkey Pesto with a lemonade on the side is a staple meal for a beach day or Santa Monica shopping trip. The Sandwich The centerpiece of Bread Head’s menu is, fittingly, the bread. Each sandwich begins with two slices of light, airy focaccia that stray from the traditionally thick and dense texture associated with typical sandwich bread. Created by Michelin chefs Alex Williams and Jordan Snyder, the focaccia has a crisp exterior and pillowy center, marked by delicate air pockets and a sprinkle of flaky salt. A subtle crunch gives way to a soft, airy bite, creating a contrast in texture that sets the sandwich apart.

In the Turkey Pesto, the standout ingredient is the sharp cheddar tucked between fresh slices of turkey and heaps of arugula. With the sharp cheddar, the cheese becomes a standout. Its tangy flavor creates a sandwich in which you can truly taste each individual layer. The combination of avocado, arugula and pesto creates a satisfying mix of flavors and textures. The smoothness of the perfectly ripe avocado and creamy pesto is met by the dry, delicate crunch of the arugula. The sandwich is already a mouthful, keeping you satiated for hours, and an excessive amount of arugula can cause both an awkward bite and the sandwich to fall apart, leaving half of the greens scattered across the table. With a slightly smaller handful of arugula pressed between the bread, the sandwich would have a near-perfect ratio of crisp vegetables to soft, creamy ingredients. The Lemonade The secret star of the show is Bread Head’s Housemade Lemonade. Bread Head finds the perfect middle ground between painfully sour or overwhelmingly sweet. The lemonade complements the garlicky pesto and sharp cheddar while leaving your mouth feeling refreshed between bites. The Atmosphere The dining environment is one of the restaurant’s biggest drawbacks.

Photo by Liam Stringer | Currents Assistant Photo Editor A Turkey Pesto sandwich from Bread Head glistens in the sun Oct. 4. Bread Head currently has three locations across Los Angeles.

Not only is the space tiny, but the arrangement of tables and chairs feels uncomfortable. Inside, the restaurant features one low-top table, a high-top table and a bar with stools. Outside, the front of the restaurant opens to a small patio with one central table surrounded by countertop-style seating. While the communal setup makes use of the limited space, it does not offer much privacy. Still, the outdoor patio offers a pleasant way to enjoy the Santa Monica surroundings. Even as traffic stays busy, the shaded patio provides

an option for guests who want to enjoy their meal in the fresh air. Bread Head may be tiny, with a limited menu and its awkward seating, but once you bite into that airy focaccia, sharp cheddar and pesto — and wash it down with an ice-cold lemonade — it becomes easy to understand why the sandwich speaks for itself. This story was copy edited by Haylie Ross.

alexa.mcglathery@pepperdine.edu

October 9, 2026 | LIFE & ARTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Photo courtesy of Isabel Norman

Photo courtesy of Brooke Doherty

Photo courtesy of Jocelyn Sala

The collage above shows junior Isabel Norman, junior Annabelle Gentling, Alexa McGlathery, Life & Arts Editor for Pepperdine Graphic Media, Sophia Alexakos, junior Jocelyn Sala and her father and seniors Josie Politzer, Brooke Doherty, Kinley Billingsley and Miriam Vacek. These photos capture the memories of friends and family.

Storytelling enhances the allure of life Haylie Ross Currents Editor-in-Chief Tales of the human experience have been passed down for generations — from children gathering around their grandmother to becoming the source of laughter in a college dorm room. Through the art of reflecting and retelling memories, friendships form, bonds strengthen and growth ensues, according to Psychology Today. “Stories are how we reminisce on the beautiful lives we have lived,” junior Jocelyn Sala said. “They allow us to appreciate our experiences and the experiences of others.” The Fable of a Memory Growing up, Sala said her mother would paint verbal pictures as the family gathered around the table for Christmas. “She uses her hands a lot when she tells a story,” Sala said. “She paints a picture for you almost where, not only are you hearing the story, but you also feel like you see it too.” Junior Isabel Norman’s now 98-year-old grandmother was the source of her bedtime stories growing up. “My grandma is the greatest storyteller ever,” Norman said. “It’s her form of spreading love

and bonding with her grandchildren.” Norman said inheriting her grandmother’s stories gives her wisdom and a deeper understanding of who her grandmother is as a woman. In a similar vein, Sala said her friends’ stories carry weight in learning the lives they lived before she entered into their stories. “I love simply sitting on the couch with my roommates and telling stories,” Sala said. “We just share memories from throughout our lives, and that understanding of each other brings us closer together.” Senior Brooke Doherty said there is nothing better than coming home after a long day and getting to “debrief” with her roommates. “There is never a shortage of things to say or memories to laugh about, and that phenomenon is something that’s so unique to the college experience,” Doherty said. The Novel of Nostalgia For Sala, nostalgia is the bittersweet feeling that surrounds a memory. “Nostalgia is the beauty of holding on,” Sala said. “Holding onto the moments that turn into the memories that shape you.” When Norman studied abroad in London,

“Wonderwall” by Oasis became the anthem of her year. Now, the song is one of the many things that transports Norman back to the U.K.

There is never a shortage of things to say or memories to laugh about, and that phenomenon is something that’s so unique to the college experience. Brooke Doherty Senior “The other day I sprayed the perfume I wore in London and for a second it felt like I never even left,” Norman said. There is a sense of nostalgia, Sala said, that seems to breathe into spaces she’s in whenever the people closest to her are near. When her father’s favorite rock songs play — the songs that were the soundtrack of her childhood — they become the

static that fills the late night car conversations with her closest friends, Sala said. Sala said growing up, her mother’s favorite song was “In My Life” by The Beatles. Whenever it plays, Sala is transported by the sounds of her youth. “Every time I hear that song now, I get emotional and can feel her with me and almost see the memories we made together with that song in the background,” Sala said. For Doherty, nostalgia carries many different emotions. “At this stage of my life, nostalgia is such a strange feeling,” Doherty said. “It’s appreciating the little moments you didn’t even realize would become so meaningful at the time.” A Bittersweet Read of a Moment Although looking back on the fond moments life has to offer may feel more comfortable, reflecting on life’s trials is what Doherty said triggers the most growth. “I can’t change the past,” Doherty said. “But I can change the way I understand and apply it to my life to grow.” Embracing the good, bad, ugly, beautiful, traumatic and ridiculous moments of life are what Sala describes as the art of being in your 20s. “In your 20s, we are bound

to change so fast and make mistakes,” Sala said. “But at the speed of everything, we need to try and take in all the wonderful things we can.”

We just share memories from throughout our lives, and that understanding of each other brings us close together. Jocelyn Sala Junior Doherty said there is sometimes a strange combination of appreciation and sadness when reminiscing on her time at Pepperdine, given that it is her senior year. “You develop a certain feeling towards reminiscing when you start to understand that you’re leaving these years of your life behind,” Doherty said. This story was copy edited by Haylie Ross

haylie.ross@pepperdine.edu

October 9, 2026 | SPORTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Swim & Dive prepares to make a splash Madison Chavez Sports Editor Although Pepperdine Swim & Dive rode a wave of success in the 2025-26 season, with a new season comes a clean slate. Looking to turn the tide and rewrite the record books, the Waves will host the Rodionoff Invitational at Raleigh Runnels Memorial Pool to kick off the 2026-27 season with fresh faces, returning leadership and a fresh set of goals. Coming off a historic season run — one that cemented 13 new program records under Head Coach Dan Marella — this year’s team, dubbed as Team 1, looks to leave their mark in more ways than one. “We want to be the team that’s ambitious,” Marella said. “We want to be the team that takes ownership of their successes and their failures, and lastly, the team that trusts each other that everyone’s doing their best to get to that next level.” Marella is entering his first full season as head coach after serving as interim head coach, a role he was named to when former Head Coach Ellie Monobe accepted the first head coaching position for Saint Mary’s College’s swimming program in November 2025, according to Pepperdine Athletics. However, Marella is no stranger to Pepperdine Swim & Dive. He initially joined the Waves as a volunteer assistant Swim & Dive coach in September 2022 before becoming a full-time assistant coach for the 2023-24 season, according to Pepperdine Athletics. While the team set 13 program records — three diving, four relays and six indvidual — under Marella’s leadership last season, he said the accomplishment is not something he carries into the coming season as a bragging right. “We’ve talked a lot about how we can inherit what we want to inherit and make this

year as much of a clean slate as we want to,” Marella said. “From a staff perspective, no egos in coaching, we’re going to do what’s best for these women.” Diving Into Year Two For sophomore diver Jackie Johnson, a clean slate does not mean leaving behind what she accomplished last season. Johnson made a splash during her freshman campaign, setting a 3-meter program record in only her first collegiate match, making her eligible for the NCAA Diving Zone E Championships in March 2026. She then established a 1-meter record with a score of 271.20, which she later surpassed with her own score of 283.80, according to Pepperdine Athletics. Becoming the 11th Wave to do so, Johnson said competing at Zones was a goal she had set out for herself at the beginning of her freshman season. “I’m most proud of my zone qualification scores on both 1-meter and 3-meter,” Johnson said. “That was my ultimate goal last season and I was able to achieve it.” Now with a full season of competition and collegiate championship experience under her belt, Johnson is hungry for more. “Last year, it was a lot of taking it in and seeing what it’s like and now that I know what it’s like, I hope to go compete and place higher this year,” Johnson said. “As a freshman, it could definitely be intimidating, but it was also a really cool experience because I got to be filled in a room with some of the best divers in the country.” The Newest Waves Since losing four senior divers to graduation last spring, Johnson is the only returning diver with a full season of Pepperdine experience. To join her on the diving squad, she

will be accompanied by junior transfer Taityn Speier and two freshmen, Miley Cavaness and Bailey Mahoney. Now stepping up to fulfill leadership responsibilities as a sophomore, Marella hopes for Johnson to remain true to herself. “What we need from her is for her to be herself,” Marella said. “Be that natural leader that she is and also raise the level of competition, and practice competition in competition and also help guide the three newcomers that are here.” Johnson said the mixture between experienced divers and freshmen is a strength. “It’s a really good balance because they have both of us to help them,” Johnson said. “And then they’re also so hardworking. We’re a really good squad this year and we’re going to do really well.” While the energy is high on the diving board, the same energy can be said for the swimmers. Nine freshmen have been added to the swim roster and sophomore swimmer Aliyah Fan said she couldn’t help but notice how quickly the newcomers have found their place within the team. “They’ve integrated with our team really well,” Aliyah Fan said. “Even though they’re like a third of our team, they’ve really become super involved and everyone’s got along pretty well.” The excitement is felt among the entire team, with Johnson feeling the same spark in her squad’s dynamic. “Excitement is at an all-time high with three newbies and me, myself,” Johnson said. “I love diving, so I’m very excited and we’re all looking forward to the season together and everything we’re gonna achieve.” The newest additions have already brought their burst of enthusiasm to Malibu, a different vibe than the coaching staff said they have seen in previous years. “The biggest thing that I’ve noticed from these women is the energy that they bring is awesome,” Marella said. “6 a.m. is early, but these girls are bright. They are laughing, they are smiling. That kind of energy is new for us.” Sisterhood in the Pool

Pepperdine swimmers work through a lap during a practice in Raleigh Runnels Memorial Pool on Sept. 29 to prepare for their upcoming season. Swim & Dive will begin their season Oct. 9 to host the Rodionoff Invitational.

Aliyah Fan’s name is marked in the program record books, including the 200 freestyle, with a time of 1:51.02. She also swam legs in the 200, 400 and 800 free relay and 400 medley relay, according to Pepperdine Athletics. Not only does she excel at the collegiate level, but she does it with her sister, senior Kiana Fan, in the same pool. The pair of sisters have been swimming together for most of their lives, but they said their different events allow

Photos by Griffin Pilcher | Photo Editor A Pepperdine diver stands atop the diving board while another Wave tucks into position during a practice in Raleigh Runnels Memorial Pool on Sept. 29. The diving squad welcomes two freshmen and one transfer to their roster this season.

them to be each other’s biggest cheerleaders without competing for the same spotlight. “Last year, it honestly made the transition so much easier because she could tell me what she’s gone through and I’ve seen her do it,” Aliyah Fan said. “She’s a great mentor and I look up to her.” This Year’s Focus While the rookies are bringing a new sense of excitement to the team, the Waves are relying on their returners to build on last season’s lessons to find even greater success this year. “First of all, last year was crazy,” Marella said. “A lot of that success was due to our support staff, whether it be strength and conditioning, athletic training, other head coaches around the program and obviously Monique [Demaisip], our dive coach, did phenomenal.” Marella said the key to success from the coaching staff was rooted in creating an environment that welcomes both mistakes and failures. “What really worked last year was the type of environment that we created,” Marella said. “It was an environment where failure was encouraged, understanding that failure is a privilege.” During Labor Day weekend, the team’s retreat in Big Bear Lake, Calif., served as bonding time and laid the foundation for the coming season. Marella said the group looked beyond the soon-approaching season and toward where it hopes to be four years from now. As a result, the team’s list of goals

stretched from the pool to the classroom. “For us, we’re trying to achieve 100 best times for the year,” Marella said. “From an athletic standpoint, that is daunting and another daunting goal that we set out as a group is to rewrite every single school record. We feel like we’re in a unique position where that’s possible.” Marella said the Waves are also aiming to break the GPA record once again and lead the department for the fifth straight year. Last year, the team averaged a GPA of 3.62, according to Pepperdine Athletics. Yet, some of the team’s biggest goals lie in individual achievement. “I want to go back to Zones and I’m hoping to qualify on all three,” Johnson said. “I qualified on 1-meter and 3-meter last year and I’m hoping to do one, three and platform this year. And then just hoping to place better.” The Waves will jump into the season at Raleigh Memorial Pools to host the Rodionoff Invitational Oct. 9-10. The invitational was renamed in 2021 to honor Nick and Carrie Rodionoff, who guided the program for 18 years as head Swim & Dive coach and volunteer and administrative assistant, according to Pepperdine Athletics. This story was copy edited by Olivia Schlossin.

madison.chavez@pepperdine.edu

Oc tober 9, 2026

The Graphic

pepperdin e - graphic .com

SPORTS

Photos by Guinevere Hesse | Staff Photographer The Golf Clubhouse features a lounge area with a ping-pong table, seating and Pepperdine Waves branding. The space, which opened Sept. 4 for both the men’s and women’s teams, gives players an area to study, relax and spend time together between practices.

Pepperdine Golf builds toward future with new clubhouse Alyssa Avelar Sports Staff Writer For Pepperdine Golf, practice now extends beyond the course. Since the Golf Clubhouse opened Sept. 4, the Men’s and Women’s Golf teams have had access to indoor training technology, team spaces and areas where they can go to study and spend time together. The clubhouse sits on the second floor of Firestone Fieldhouse inside the Charles B. Runnels Sports and Recreation Village and spans 8,000 square feet. The facility was part of a $13 million investment in Pepperdine’s Men’s and Women’s Golf programs, providing the teams with an on-campus space for training and team activities. “We’ve never had a locker room before,” said Nick Robinson, Men’s Golf assistant coach. “We’ve never had a place that they can call their own.” Robinson said having a space of their own gives the men’s team an opportunity to build camaraderie while making the daily student-athlete experience more convenient. Players can study, spend time together in the lounge and shower after workouts before heading to class.

Women’s Golf junior Grace Anderson said the clubhouse has quickly become part of the team’s routine. “If we’re not practicing, we’re studying here,” Anderson said. “If we’re not studying, we’re playing ping-pong or cooking something.” The clubhouse also expands the programs’ preparation process before competitions. The TrackMan simulators allow players to analyze their swings and numbers, while the TOURPUTT simulator provides another resource for improving their putting. Robinson said the additional technology gives coaches and players more information to work with. “More data gives us the opportunity to answer more questions,” Robinson said. Anderson said the facility allows players to learn from their performance and identify areas for improvement. “It just gives us so much access,” Anderson said. “That was the big thing, just access to these new facilities.” The indoor facility also gives the teams an alternative when outdoor practice is limited by weather or darkness. Anderson said Alumni Park, where the teams usually practice outdoors, can be affected by limited space and weather conditions.

“In the times that we can’t use Alumni [and] we can’t practice outside, we can come inside,” Anderson said. “Darkness is no longer a limiting factor.” Beyond training, the clubhouse has created a shared space for both programs. Anderson said having a place where the men’s and women’s teams can practice and spend time together has strengthened the connection between them. “It’s not only brought the women’s team closer, but it also unites both of our teams,” Anderson said. For Robinson, the clubhouse also serves as a reminder of what Pepperdine’s Golf programs have already accomplished. Robinson pointed to the Men’s Golf program’s two national championships and its history of All-Americans and

decorated players as part of the legacy current athletes inherit. “Pepperdine was and always will be a golf school and we’re proud of that,” Robinson said. Robinson said the facility could also influence recruiting. The new training and team spaces give Pepperdine another resource when competing for recruits alongside other programs across the country. For the coaching staff, the clubhouse also provides more opportunities to interact with players. Robinson said having coaches and athletes working in the same space allows them to spend more time together and develop deeper relationships. The clubhouse represents the support surrounding the Women’s Golf program as well. Anderson said the facility shows that Pepperdine is investing not only in the athletes they are today, but also in who they can become. “This school has never made me feel like I am limited,” Anderson said. “They’ve only ever made me feel like I’m supported and they want to see me grow and reach the highest level possible.” Now, both programs are looking toward what comes next. The women’s team reached the NCAA Championship and advanced to the Elite Eight last

season. Both the men’s and women’s teams also won their respective West Coast Conference (WCC) Championships this spring. The women claimed their title in April and the men secured their second consecutive championship in May, according to Pepperdine Athletics. Anderson said the team’s goal is to return to the national tournament and advance even further. “We’re here to win an NCAA championship,” Anderson said. “We want to be the best.” For Pepperdine Golf, the clubhouse now marks the beginning of what comes next: stronger teams, deeper connections and another chance at an NCAA championship. This story was copy edited by Olivia Schlossin.

alyssa.avelar@pepperdine.edu