Oct. 18, 2011
On Sunday, October 9 the Pepperdine Athletics Hall of Fame Induction took place at the Woodland Hills Marriott. It was a special night for women's basketball as former player Maureen Formico-Caloiaro was enshrined for her outstanding career in Malibu. Current head women's basketball coach Julie Rousseau shared with us the meaning of this night to Waves women's basketball.
The 2011 Hall of Fame Dinner was outstanding. To have met Coach Fortner and Maureen Formico-Caloiaro was amazing! I felt as though I was blessed with a glimpse into the past, the history of Pepperdine women's basketball while they were here in Malibu from 1982-86. I walk away from this evening with a new perspective and insight of the days when our program was just getting started. They most definitely were days that were rich with stories and accomplishment. Through their eyes, they shared stories of working to make Pepperdine women's basketball a program that was respected, a place where young women could grow into great women and a place where one's faith was enriched. It is the same experience and tradition that our current student-athletes experience today.
I am more aware of the history of our program, and more importantly, the wonderful people who graced this place well before I was given the opportunity to carry the mantle for this wonderful place! The stories from Coach Fortner and Maureen are a part of me now. The records that still stand (Maureen's single season scoring and rebounding records; as well as her single game rebounding record of 33, and many more) are like wind beneath my wings. Now that I understand our history better, I have a clearer picture of on whose behalf I serve. What I do as a coach and mentor has never just been about me, and I walk away from this wonderful night knowing that even more. It is for the past student-athletes, coaches, supporters and those whose time on stage is now that I work to make our women's basketball program here at Pepperdine even greater. The history of our program has a face to it with Coach Fortner, Maureen Formico-Caloiaro and so many more of our alumnae. I vow to make them and countless others proud to be a Wave!!!
