May 4, 2004
MALIBU, CA - The West Coast Conference's (WCC) men's tennis Player of the Year, Pepperdine's team MVP, and the No. 21st-ranked singles sensation in the country, Pedro Rico, was named Pepperdine Student-Athlete of the Month for April, Director of Athletics, Dr. John Watson announced today. The Alicante, Spain, native led his nationally ranked men's team to its 15th consecutive WCC Title in April while playing at the top singles position. Furthermore, he was tabbed the WCC Player of the Month for March.
The Pepperdine Student Athlete-of-the-Month showcases an athlete each month that has demonstrated excellence in all areas of his/her life. Athletic administrators at the University choose the award.
Although an international student, Rico is an outstanding pupil in the classroom and he maintains a respectable grade point average (GPA) at one of the most challenging academic institutions in the country.
Other than competing in singles play, he and partner Calle Hansen are ranked No. 37 in doubles and they look to pace the Waves at the NCAA Regionals beginning May 15.
"Pedro is a great example how hard work and discipline helps you in all areas of your life," said Watson. "He has a contagious zest and passion for life that rubs off onto everyone. I foresee Pedro having a tremendous career even beyond this university."
The Pepperdine Student-Athlete of the Month recognizes outstanding student-athlete each month. Past winners include: Sean Rooney (men's volleyball), Carolina Llano (women's golf), Jesse Smith (water polo), Kelli Spencer (women's basketball), Keith Jarbo (men's basketball), John Mayer (men's volleyball), and Shandrika Lee (women's basketball). Rooney earned the first accolade after competing for Team USA this past summer in Korea, Llano accounted for a hole-in-one and earned a national ranking of No. 1 golfer in the nation during September, Smith became the first ever Pepperdine athlete to garner NCAA Player of the Week honors, Spencer led the women's basketball team in scoring and earned the highest GPA in the WCC last semester, Jarbo, a former walk-on, sports a 3.71 GPA and earned starting role with the Waves, Mayer is a nationally ranked setter and guides the No. 4-ranked Pepperdine Waves men's volleyball team, Lee was named first team All-WCC while pacing the Waves in scoring, and Braverman boasted an impressive 3.5 GPA while playing at No. 1 singles for the women's tennis team.
