Riley Patterson is a graduate transfer libero on the women's volleyball team from Sonora, California. With less than a full season with the Waves, Patterson has carried the squad defensively while racking up three WCC Defensive Player of the Week awards thus far. Patterson hopes to help lead her team to a NCAA Tournament appearance this season:
 
Q: How would you describe the transition from Pacific to Pepperdine?
 
A: The transition from Pacific to Pepperdine was an easy one for me. From the beginning, the team and coaches made me feel right at home. From the very beginning I knew that I was going to love this experience because of the people that I was surrounded by. School-wise, it was a great transition. I had just graduated college in the spring and was excited to start a master's program this fall. I love the program and I'm so grateful to be getting a master's degree while also being able to compete in the sport I love. 
 
Q: Why did you choose Pepperdine volleyball?
 
A: After my first conversation with Scott (Wong) I knew I would go to Pepperdine. Scott is an amazing coach and person and I knew that I wanted to be a part of his program. The culture and team that he has brought together was everything I wanted in a volleyball experience and I knew that I had to be a part of it. 
 
Q: You have only been a Wave for one season yet have already collected accomplishments such as WCC Defensive Player of the Week three times. What would you attribute this success to?
 
A: My coaches and teammates. They push me every day to become a better person and player. I would not be where I am today without them. I know I have only been a part of this program for such a short amount of time but I have grown so close with the team and coaches and I'm so grateful to have them in my life. 
 
Q: With the last bit of the season approaching, what do you see yourself and your team accomplishing? What are the expectations?
 
A: The expectation that we have as a team is to win out. I am excited for the last three conference games and excited to see what the postseason has in store for us. 
 
Q: What has your experience been like thus far as a Pepperdine Wave?
 
A:  My experience has been everything I have dreamed of. I feel so lucky for the teammates that I have. I get to hang out with best friends every day while we get to compete at the sport we love. This team is so special to me and I'm so lucky to have such great people in my life. The coaching staff has also been great. They care so much about me as a person and not just an athlete. My family always asks how I am liking my experience here at Pepperdine and I always tell them I feel so grateful to be where I am at. 
 
Q: How would you describe the team culture that has been built in Pepperdine volleyball?
 
A: The team culture at Pepperdine volleyball is so special. It is a place where I can be vulnerable and share how I am really feeling and I know each of my teammates have my back and support me. It is so special to have a team who I know will always be there for me. 
 
Q: What was your favorite memory from this season so far?
 
A: I have so many good memories from this season. Some of my favorite memories are beating Minnesota and Washington. This was such a cool experience to have. Another favorite memory was paddle boarding as a team. We were out there for hours and it was so much fun being out there with the whole team. 
 
Q: Which was your favorite trip you went on this year with the team?
 
A: Honestly, all of our travel trips are so much fun. I get to travel to these amazing places and get to play volleyball which is incredible. My favorite one was traveling to San Francisco and Santa Clara. We were able to go to Alcatraz as a team and that was so much fun. We have all had so much fun on our travel trips that it's hard to pick a favorite one because they have all been so incredible. 
 
Q: With this season nearing its end, what are your plans for the future? Do you intend on returning to Pepperdine to play another year?
 
A: Yes, I am returning to Pepperdine for another year. Although I am a grad student I have another season after this.