Alexa Melton, a highly touted freshman on the Pepperdine women's golf team, discussed expectations, her experience playing so far and her goals for this year:
 
Q: Golfweek predicted that you'd be one of the top freshmen in the country. How have you dealt with coming into your freshman year with that kind of expectation?
 
A: I kind of just try not to totally think about it so much. It's just a prediction, so it doesn't mean much. You have to perform to fulfill that expectation.
 
Q: You started school and the team immediately played three tournaments in the last three weeks, which isn't too common. How did it feel to grind through three straight tournaments?
 
A: It was something I've never done before. I kept saying, "This is the most golf I've played in my whole life." I'm still getting used to traveling all the time. I'm also adjusting to golf and school. It's very different than high school. It was fulfilling because our team was doing well during most of them. We were the only team that played three weeks in a row. We got to prove to everyone that we had the stamina and ability to do it.
 
Q: You've played very well so far. How do you feel out there?
 
A: I don't feel any different. At the end of the day, it's another tournament. I don't really let any tournament get me too high or too low. It's cool to see that I came in as a freshman and can compete with all the collegiate girls.
 
Q: Junior golf is very individual based, but now you're part of a college team. How has that transition been like for you?
 
A: At first, I was nervous because I've been out of team sports for about seven years. I didn't know how quickly I would be able to adjust, but I knew I would be able to. All the girls on the team have a great camaraderie. It's nice to warm up with them and room with them. It's nice to have someone there and all work together to achieve the same goal.
 
Q: How has your team helped you transition into college in general?
 
A: They've all gone through their freshman year and they've all had different experiences, so we kind of get the full picture. We get to look up to them and ask them about anything school related, golf related, really anything.
 
Q: What are some goals you have for this year and your Pepperdine career?
 
A: I definitely want to win a collegiate tournament this year, team and individual. As for big picture, I want to improve my World Amateur ranking; I want to bring that up some. Right now, I'm 128, but I'd love to be top 50 or top 100. I also want to be on the first team All-American.
 
Q: Why did you choose Pepperdine?
 
A: I chose Pepperdine because of what it stands for and it's a community-based college. It's small, so you get to build relationships. Also, the coaching, we got a new assistant coach. He's been great; I love what he has to say. Coach Laurie was the one who recruited me, so we've had a relationship for quite some time. She helps boost our confidence and gives great advice. I was never super analytical, but she has helped me do more numbers and calculations and see a different side of it. She opened up that aspect for me and it's been great. The academics are great, and so are the athletics, so I couldn't really go wrong.