Malia Bambrick, a sophomore guard on the Pepperdine women's basketball team, is coming off a successful freshman year. With the team's home exhibition on Tuesday night and the season opener in one week , we discuss her first year, the new coaching staff and her hopes for this season:
 
Q: You had a pretty successful freshman year. What are some lessons you learned last year?
 
A: I think one of the biggest things I can take away from my freshman year is just never doubting myself or letting my confidence waver. I also think believing in myself, knowing what I can do on the court and not second guessing that. I think just gaining a new sense of what hard work really is. Being at college is a lot more demanding than what I even expected so that was definitely a big thing. Everyone always says this, but being able to manage your time. There were so many times where I was like, "Oh my gosh, what is happening?" I would say confidence, learning a new idea of hard work and time management.
 
Q: The team recently got a new head coach. What has that transition been like?
 
A: It's been a transition. I think we're all just adjusting as best as possible. They didn't come until the middle of July, so it was kind of late, but I think everyone's doing what they can to make it as easy as possible. I think with any change it's going to be difficult at times, but everyone is in it together.
 
Q: What have you been working on to improve your game during offseason?
 
A: Just putting in the extra time to work on my shot more, becoming more aggressive off the ball, and doing what I can to help my team to achieve our goals. I think getting in better shape. We've been working in the weight room and conditioning, so that's huge for us. Just tuning all the skills that I have.
 
Q: The team's home opener is next Tuesday at Washington State. How are you all preparing for that game?
 
A: We're really just focusing on ourselves and our system. It's a new system of new coaches, so we're all learning as time goes on. I think everyone's just excited to be able to start playing. We've been working since July, so now that it's finally here, it's nice.
 
Q: You ended last season with a West Coast Conference All-Freshman Team selection. What was your initial reaction?
 
A: I think it was humbling. I think any award is nice, but just seeing the work you put in pay off is always rewarding. It was definitely something I wanted to get from the beginning of the season, just keeping my eye on it. To actually have that recognition from the conference is nice. I think it's also motivation to keep going each year, kind of having that chip on your shoulder. You want those types of recognition, you want to be acknowledged by the conference. I think it was humbling and rewarding.
 
Q: What is your most memorable moment from last season?
 
A: I would say making it to the postseason. In the previous years, the program was building. It was a work in progress. Last season, we got 22 wins, which is something they haven't done in a while. We made it to the postseason, so being a freshman and being able to experience that your first year, I think that was really exciting for me. Being able to do that with my teammates, who became my family, was really fun.
 
Q: What are some hopes you have for this year?
 
A: A big one would be to make it to the conference championship game this year. We came up short last year, but it was definitely in reach. Also, trying to make it to the postseason again. I think doing everything we can to get there. For myself, just growing as a player and getting better with each game.