Senior guard Deezha Battle of the women's basketball team talks about what it was like to transfer to Pepperdine before last season, and the adjustment from junior college basketball to Division I. She also explains her excitement for the upcoming season:
 
Q: What brought about your decision to transfer to Pepperdine last year?
 
A: It was definitely in part to the beautiful location of Malibu, but the connection I had with the team really sold me. It is also such a great school.
 
Q: What were the biggest adjustments you had to make going from junior college to here?
 
A: Definitely the intensity of the workouts and the time we have to put in. It is a lot more demanding environment and having to find that balance between school and basketball. The competition is also a lot tougher at this level and since we are in a really good conference that means I have been playing against really good teams and players, which has been an awesome experience.
 
Q: How was your first season at Pepperdine?
 
A: My first season was awesome. We won 22 games, which was the best this team has done in years. We got to play in the postseason, which was a super fun experience. I had a great connection with all my teammates and school went really well. I really loved it, I fell in love with Pepp, I fell in love with California.
 
Q: How did the team welcome you last year?
 
A: My teammates were really welcoming. They all made sure we were comfortable when we came in and definitely helped us out when we were struggling because it was a tough adjustment trying to get into the workouts with the demanding schedule. But I was able to hang out with them a lot and do a lot of team bonding, which was awesome.
 
Q: Last season you hit a lot of clutch shots. Do you have any favorite moments from the season?
 
A: One of my favorite games was when we played Saint Mary's in the WNIT and I made three three-pointers in the fourth quarter and that helped us win. Having my team believe in me really helped me out and it is really special to have their support since those shots I make are for them.
 
Q: What parts of your game do you want to improve on going into this season?
 
A: I definitely want to improve on the defensive end. I want to be able to contain my player more. I also want to focus on getting to the basket more since a lot of teams see me as a shooter, so being a threat from multiple areas would be a big addition.
 
Q: What are your thoughts and hopes for your last season coming up?
 
A: Overall, I just want to have a good experience and a memorable season with my team. Our biggest goal is to win games and compete for the WCC championship. We also definitely want to get into postseason play again.
 
Q: How has the transition to the new coaching staff this year been?
 
A: It's been an adjustment. We just met them in July, but they have been really welcoming and helpful and in turn we have also been welcoming to them. It is a big change, but I think we are all doing our best to adapt, work together, and get a better understanding of each other. It's been a good adjustment getting to know and bond with this coaching staff.
 
Q: How was Blue and Orange Madness?
 
A: It is always super fun. I love seeing how hyped the crowd gets and all the fans. Seeing everybody engaged and just having a great time watching the dunk and shooting contests. Even the president got involved, which was awesome. It shows that we have a lot of support and gets me excited to play.
 
Q: Speaking of excitement, what would you say your excitement level is for this season?
 
A: This season is really special to me because it is my last season. With all the other seniors on the team we put a lot of pressure on ourselves because of what we did last year, even though we are still considered the underdogs coming into the season. Our goal is to prove everyone wrong again and show we are a team to be recognized and can compete as well as anybody else. So, you could say I am really excited about this season.
 
Q: How do you think you have grown since your freshman season?
 
A: I feel like I have definitely grown as a leader and a person through playing college basketball. It has taught me a lot about resiliency and patience, along with hard work and dedication. I've also built a lot of strong relationships and worked through any conflicts which has been huge for my personal growth mentally and physically. Especially coming to Pepperdine, I have grown even more making the jump from junior college to D1. I am thankful for the process and that it has brought me to this point.