Melanie Paul, who hails from Chile and is Pepperdine beach volleyball's first international athlete, is in her senior season with the Waves. She plays in the #1 spot with Madison Shields and the two have posted a record of 18-5 this season. She talks about her goals for this season what motivates her to do so well:
 
Q: How has it been playing with a new partner this year?
 
A: It's honestly been super fun. Starting to play with a new person is always exciting. You get to learn the other's person's strengths and work even harder for each other because it's all so new. Maddog is great! She works harder than anyone and matches my competitiveness which just makes us click on the court.
           
Q: What are your aspirations for the team this year?
 
A: I think our main goal this year is earning back the WCC trophy this year and make it back to Gulf Shores for the NCAA Championships.
 
Q: How has your work ethic in the classroom helped your work ethic in your sport as well as vice versa? 
 
A: I've always put similar emphasis on my schoolwork as I do to sports, which requires a lot of organization. This has helped me succeed in both since it helps hold myself to a high standard. Having a high standard is crucial in competitive sports because there is always someone who is working harder than you. So, I think working hard in everything I do has definitely motivated me to outwork people to achieve my goals.
 
Q: What is your biggest motivator in life?
 
A: My family. They are my biggest supporters but also the first ones to call me out. They were the first ones to believe in me and pushed me to be become the best athlete and version of myself.
 
Q: What is your biggest takeaway from being an athlete here at Pepperdine?
 
A: The teamwork. When I got here the girls made me feel at home right away. I will never forget how welcoming they were. The team is like a big family that pushes each other to their limits while honoring their individuality and I only wish to pass that on to future generations.
 
Q: What is one thing you would tell an athlete that wants to come to Pepperdine?
 
A: It is hard to be a student-athlete, especially at such a competitive program as Pepperdine, but the teammates, coaching staff and people you meet make it more than worth it. I have met some of the best people I know here. So, as long as you love the sport and are willing to work all out I can only recommend it.
 
Q: What effects has COVID-19 had on your collegiate athletic experience?
 
A: It was definitely a hit in the stomach at first since it canceled our season midway through, but it gave me an opportunity to play another year and I'm grateful for that. Last spring, COVID made it very hard to balance the athletic and social aspects since you kind of had to choose between the two. Competing in that environment put even more pressure on each other and created some tension. Moreover, it was the first time the entire team wouldn't travel to tournaments, which was sad, because we are all in this together. But overall I think it helped us to go through adversity together and come out stronger as a team. Still I'm definitely happy that we are close to being back to normal.
           
Q: Describe in a few words what it means to be a Wave?
 
A: I would say that being a Wave is competing for something bigger than yourself. We are all in this together and play for each other, having each other's backs.