Distinguishing between identical twins presents a challenge for many people. Fortunately, the Ruffus-Milner twins wear different numbers when they are on the court, one of whom is Jayla Rufus-Milner. The North Hills, California, native has been wearing number 14 throughout her career at Pepperdine. The redshirt junior has received multiple honors, including WCC All-Freshman and WCC Commissioner's Honor Roll. We caught up with Jayla about playing during the pandemic, as well as how she will take on a leadership role this coming season:
 
Q: What was competing during the pandemic like for you?
 
A: Competing during the pandemic was pretty challenging because there were so many protocols like social distancing, mask-wearing, and testing three times a week that disrupted the natural flow of the season. Then, when you also throw in the fear of catching COVID, it easily became stressful and frustrating at times. There were a lot of things we couldn't do as a team together (especially while traveling for away games), and I think that bothered me the most because I'm very much a people person.
 
Q: How did your team build camaraderie during the pandemic?
 
A: Since classes were all online and we weren't truly allowed to socialize with other people who weren't on our team, we were able to develop bonds quickly. We all had to trust that each of us was doing what we needed to do to protect the team. We saw each other all the time and built a very welcoming and caring culture. We spent a good amount of time talking and getting to know one another at the beach, which always felt like the safest place to be. I think the pandemic really gave us a way to get close to each other in ways that wouldn't typically happen in normal circumstances.
 
Q: This upcoming season, you'll be one of the few players who have been a part of the program for four years. How do you feel about taking on a leadership role for the newer players?
 
A: Given that I have been here for a total of three years now, I have really seen the program change with all its ups and downs. I have learned many things about what has led our team to its successes and failures. I think my experience gives me a certain degree of knowledge that can allow me to have a positive impact on the program, especially on the newcomers. The two biggest qualities I want to embody while taking on a leadership role for them is to be the best role model I can be and to encourage them to have confidence in themselves, on and off the court. I think these qualities come pretty naturally to me, so I hope to make them feel the most comfortable while being the new additions to our team.
 
Q: Speaking of the upcoming season, what are some goals you have for yourself?
 
A: My goals in a basketball sense are to work on my confidence on offense. I want to improve my outside shooting and free throw percentage. As a teammate, I just want to be the best role model that I can and someone who addresses any issues that may arise in an effective manner. The season can get pretty challenging, but I want to challenge myself to remain consistent in character.
 
Q: Your team graduated many of its post players – Tara Dusharm, Monique Andriuolo, Hayley Duren. With them graduating, how is that going to affect the team's style of play?
 
A: We will be more of an undersized and guard-heavy team. This means that we will have to play faster up and down the court, so we will have to have an emphasis on our conditioning and cardio this season. It also means that we will have to really work on our post defense if we have a height disadvantage.
 
Q: I'm sure last season did not end the way you hoped. What has the team been doing in the offseason to have a more successful season next year?
 
A: In many ways, last season didn't go the way we had hoped. However, we've learned a lot from it. This offseason we have increased the intensity of our practices and have focused on the little details we all can clean up because it's the little issues that turn into bigger ones over time. My team is also working on building a proper culture amongst everyone. We want a culture that encourages the team to work through adversity and to prevent negativity from festering. I believe that this team has a lot of potential to have a more successful season next year.
 
Q: Not having fans was definitely new to a lot of college athletes. Do you think having spectators again is going to increase the team morale at home games?
 
A: Even though we don't have many spectators at our games, being able to have family, friends and students watch us play can definitely influence team morale at home games. It's always nice to have people cheering you on, and I think it makes you want to play better for them. It's also nice being able to talk to family and friends after the game is over. Having spectators attending our games will make playing feel more normal than last year.
 
Q: Being a twin sister to another player on the team, I would assume your relationship with her is much different than your other teammates. How does it feel to be playing side by side with someone you are so close to? 
 
A: Ever since I started playing basketball, my sister and I were always playing together. It's a very normalized experience for me, but one that I am truly grateful for. Playing with my sister has more pros than cons because, without a doubt, I know I have someone who is fully looking after my best interests and wants me to be the best teammate I can be. We don't try to compete with one another but are rather more focused on seeing the other succeed. It's always my biggest joy seeing my sister do well on the court as it also inspires me to do the same. And, since we both have seen each other play for years, we can give advice that really sticks and can have a significant impact.