Nov. 4, 2003

MALIBU, Calif. -- Jesse Smith was named Pepperdine Student-Athlete of the Month for October, Director of Athletics, Dr. John Watson, announced today. With four teams ranked nationally in the Top 20, the choice was not an easy one, however Smith surpassed all other classmates this month thanks to amazing results in the water and even better results in the classroom.

The Pepperdine Student Athlete-of-the-Month showcases an athlete who has demonstrated excellence both on the playing field and in the classroom. Athletic administrators at the University choose the award.

In earning the October Student Athlete-of-the-Month, Smith displayed a strong work ethic in his academic and athletic endeavors. An economic major from Coronado, California, he balances a full academic course load with a rigorous men's water polo schedule.

"Each month when the university administrators and I sit down to choose an award winner, it's never an easy task for us," commented Watson. "This month was especially difficult because of the success we continue to have in athletics at this university. I think Jesse was very deserving of the honor and I believe he represents what all student-athletes should strive to be like."

Smith enjoyed a productive month where he kept his water polo team ranked in the Top 5. The junior two-time All-American paced his squad in goals and ranked at the very top of the MPSF conference in scoring. Furthermore, against No. 7 UC Santa Barbara, Smith scored six goals in a 12-7 victory for the Waves. For his efforts, he was named the NCAA Student-Athlete Spotlight of the week. Smith was only the second water polo player to ever be named for such a prestigious honor.

"Jesse is such a hard working individual and you always know you'll get 110 percent from him each day," said Pepperdine head coach, Terry Schroeder. "He has been an All-American twice before and he should achieve that status again this year. I'm very proud that he's a member of our program."

With 46 total goals in 19 matches, Smith is averaging a team-high 2.53 goals per game. In addition, he's been high-point in eight out of 19 total games for the Waves this season.

Once the water polo season is completed, Smith plans to begin training for the 2004 Olympic trials.