About the only thing that senior Caitlin Lawson (Walnut Creek, Calif./Carondelet HS) hasn’t done in her four years as a member of the Pepperdine women’s volleyball team is play setter. She’s been a starting libero and has filled in at outside hitter. In last weekend’s season-opening tournament at Cal State Fullerton, she came off the bench as a right-side hitter. She’s even practiced at middle blocker, just in case she’s needed there. A true team player who serves as a captain, Lawson has also had a successful Pepperdine career off the court, having earned WCC Commissioner’s Honor Roll accolades in each of her first three years. She sat down for a few minutes to talk about her time at Pepperdine and her future with pepperdinesports.com.
Q: How would you describe your three-plus years at Pepperdine?
A: “Definitely lots of highs, lots of lows. College volleyball is tough. But it’s been a great experience. I love the girls. Playing in college is something I’m never going to forget.”
Q: What do you expect out of your senior year?
A: “I think this is going to be the best team that Pepperdine’s had in a long time. We started off the season 3-0 and we hope to add three more wins this weekend. I think we’re going to make a run at the end of the season. I’m expecting great things and a good way to top off my career ... I feel I can be important to the team with my leadership and I want to be a good leader and a good role model for the younger girls.”
Q: Coach Matthies has always loved your leadership and versatility. You’ve played wherever you’ve been needed. What’s it been like, practicing and playing at just about every position?
A: “It’s been a challenge, playing pretty much every position, but I kind of like it that way. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve really expanded my volleyball experience. When I leave Pepperdine I’ll be leaving a much better volleyball player. Maybe I’ll continue that on the beach, that’s something that I would like to do. I’ve definitely improved everywhere.”
Q: What does it mean to you to be a team captain?
A: “It’s such an honor. Playing at Pepperdine, playing college volleyball, it’s always been a dream of mine. And to be a captain of such a prestigious team, such a prestigious program, is such an honor.”
Q: What’s it been like playing for Coach Matthies and the rest of the coaches that you’ve had here?
A: “Our coaching staff is one of the best around. Nina is a legend in the sport. Not a lot of people know that because she’s really humble and doesn’t talk about it much. But she really is a legend in the sport. None of us would be playing college volleyball if it wasn’t for her. She’s a legend in the beach game. Bringing in Marcio, he’s such a great addition to the program. And of course Tim Jensen with all of his experience coaching club and volleyball. They create such a great team and a lot of energy and we’re really lucky to have all three of them in the gym.”
Q: Is there a favorite moment that stands out in your volleyball career?
A: “Beating USC my freshman year to make it into the Sweet 16 was one of my favorite memories of all time, volleyball or not. To beat USC in three, we were kind of the underdogs going in, but we went in and played tough. Katy Daly was a senior and she played great. That was such a great experience and to make it to the Sweet 16 is a big deal.”
Q: What’s been the best part of being a student-athlete at Pepperdine?
A: “We are so lucky here at Pepperdine. The small community feel, I think all of the athletes get to know each other and all the coaches. Just yesterday I ran into (baseball coach) Steve Rodriguez at Starbucks and we had a great little chat. I don’t think you can get that at many other schools. The school spirit is great. And, because the school is so small, athletes are able to take advantage of other things like traveling abroad. I went to Asia after my freshman year and Florence, Italy, two summers ago. That was a great experience. To be able to have a life outside of athletics is something that is great.”
Q: Talk a little bit more about traveling abroad and what those experiences were like.
A: “It was such a great experience. If I have any advice to give to our freshmen or any of the other student-athletes, is go abroad in the summer. We’re not able to take advantage of it during the school year but during the summers it can be done. It was such a great experience to be on my own, to be outside my comfort zone, and to be able to travel. It really made my college experience.
Q: The NCAA is talking about adding beach volleyball as a sport. While it won’t happen in time to help you, what do you think about that possibility?
A: “I think it’s a great idea. This is the perfect place to start beach volleyball. And like I said earlier, Nina is a legend in the sport, and Marcio is one of the best beach coaches out there. It would be an easy way for Pepperdine to get a national title right away. I’m a little disappointed that I won’t be able to take advantage of it, but it would be great for the school.”
Q: What made you decide to attend Pepperdine over other schools that were recruiting you?
A: “Lots of reasons. I really like the small, community feel. I like to be known for who I am, and not just a number, so the small class sizes are great. The ability to go abroad. The coaching staff and the great location. There are lots of pluses here at Pepperdine.”
Q: Talk about this year’s team. There’s a great senior class with yourself, Julie Rubenstein and Cassi Chamberlain. The freshmen are coming in with great credentials. What do you think of your group?
A: “Team chemistry is something that is maybe overlooked a lot, but I think it’s a really important factor in athletics. This year the team chemistry is great. Maybe it’s because of our small numbers, we only have 11 girls on the team, but everyone gets along and everyone contributes to the team and I think that’s going to take us to the next level in December.”
Q: You have done very well in the classroom. What has motivated you to be not just be an athlete but a true student-athlete?
A: “I’ve always had goals. I have a big plan for the future. Getting good grades and doing well in the classroom is going to help me get there. It’s important to be an athlete and also to do well in school.”
Q: What is the big plan?
A: “I’m applying to grad school right now. There’s a program at UC Berkeley that I’m really interested in. I’m a political science major right now but I kind of want to go in a different direction. I’d like to be involved in athletics. The program at Berkeley is for athletics and academic achievement. I’d like to stay in athletics. I’m interested in sports law or sports management. I’ve been in athletics all my life and I think it’s a great community and a great job.”
Q: What is your volleyball future? You mentioned you would like to play on the beach, and you’ve already done some coaching with the Sports Shack club program.
A: “I love coaching. I’d like to continue coaching, especially youth. I think it’s really rewarding. Maybe I’ll try a run at the AVP. With Nina and Marcio at my side I think they’ll be good help in training. We’re all going to do some beach stuff in the spring, seniors concluded, so we’ll see.”
