MALIBU, California – Head coach
Lauren Floris of the Pepperdine cross country and track teams announced her full 2022-23 recruiting class today.
"We couldn't be more excited about the freshman that we have joining the team this fall," said Floris about the incoming class. "Not only are they talented athletes, they are accomplished students and people that are going to be a great addition to our team and the Pepperdine community at large."
The 21 incoming freshmen hail from 12 different states.
Here is some info on the incoming Waves:
Joshua Bergers | Cohasset, Mass. | St. Mark's School/IMG Academy
Specializes in the 800, 1600, 3200 and 5000 meters as well as the one mile, distance medley relay, plus the 5K in cross country … Collected a first-place finish at the 2021 Seffner Christian Invitational in the 5K in a time of 16:23.66 … Has run a PR in the 5K in a time of 15:31.8 … Named St. Mark's Boys Cross Country MVP in 2019 and 2020 … Had a sixth-place showing at the Foot Locker Cross Country Northeast Regionals Soph/Freshman Race … Notched a top-10 finish at the 2019 NEPSTA DI XC Championship (ninth in a time of 16:45) ... Dad, David Bergers, attended Pepperdine Law School for the first year of graduate school … Dad also ran cross country at Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Mass.
Bergers says: "I chose Pepperdine because the team culture, spanning from the new recruits, returners and the coaches, created the ideal team environment I was looking for and wanted to be a part of. This also corresponds to how I feel about my team, which is equivalent to them being my family; I will overcome any obstacle, challenge or hardship for my family. Before and after my official visit I have witnessed the immense amounts of effort and work from the team, which is clearly visible from how brightly their achievements have shone this past season. Breaking school records left and right and meet after meet is a team whose determination cannot be disputed. Pepperdine's academic prowess speaks for itself and after having visited one of the highest ranked academic institutions in the nation, having seen with my own eyes the academics Pepperdine has to offer, and after talking to current student-athletes, I immediately knew I would not just survive here, but I would thrive here. I had finally found home."
Hannah Doering | Yorba Linda, Calif. | Orange Lutheran HS
Specializes in the 200 and 800 meters, plus the 5K in cross country … Captained the varsity cross country team at Orange Lutheran High School … Ran varsity cross country for three years and ran varsity track for two years … Was a part of the CIF finals team for cross country … Competed at the league finals for track … Has been a part of Equalizers Running Club since the age of 8 … Mother attended Pepperdine.
Doering says: "I chose Pepperdine because it truly felt like home to me. The atmosphere was overall really calming and I knew I would be comfortable there. I am also so excited to run and be a Wave!"
Ashley Eagan | St. Petersburg, Fla. | St. Petersburg HS
Specializes in the 800 and 1600 meters along with the 4x400 and 4x800 relay, plus the 5K in cross country … A four-year varsity track athlete and three-year varsity cross country athlete … Helped St. Petersburg High School cross country team qualify for the state meet for the first time in eight years in 2020 … Named the North Port Invitational Large School Girls' champion in 2021 … Was also the 2021 St. Petersburg City Champion in cross country … Senior year was a part of the varsity cross country team that earned District runner-up and state qualifiers … Two-time St. Petersburg High School cross country MVP… Mother played volleyball at Duke University.
Eagan says: "I chose Pepperdine because the location was beautiful and where I wanted to go. The nature of the team also felt very supportive and close which is exactly what I was looking for. Academically, I chose Pepperdine because the school's prestige made me feel confident, I would be challenged and allowed to use my mind to its fullest extent in academic pursuits."
Ryan Fabian | Oxnard, Calif. | Oxnard HS
Specializes in 800 and 1,600 meters … A two-time Pacific View League 800-meter champion … Holds the Pacific View League 800-meter record … A part of the 4x800 meter relay team that currently holds the school record at Oxnard High School … Earned the 2022 Oxnard High School Track and Field Mid-Distance runner of the year … Was named the 2021 OHS Track and Field Distance Runner of the Year … Recipient of the 2019 OHS Track and Field Rookie of the Year and the 2018 OHS Cross Country Rookie of the Year … Earned the 4x2 award at Oxnard High School, which is holding a 4.0 GPA while playing two varsity sports.
Fabian says: "The moment I stepped foot on the Pepperdine campus I felt a sense of family and togetherness from everyone around me giving me the closest feeling to home that I could find. Not to mention the incredible academic programs, athletic programs, amazing location, and jaw-dropping amount of opportunity. I decided I wanted some of the most important years of my life to be spent somewhere where I will have a sense of purpose and be able to build lifelong relationships and memories while getting a top-of-the-line education and continuing my athletic dreams. Pepperdine is the perfect fit for me."
Caroline Graham | Hockessin, Del. | Delaware Military Academy
Specializes in the 400, 800 and 1600 meters, plus the 5K in cross country … A four-year varsity athlete in cross country and track has ranked in the top-15 in multiple events since her freshman year, including 10th in the 3,200 meters, 11th in the 1,600 meters and 11th in the 800 meters… Received varsity scholar-athlete all four years of high school … Competed with Above Xpectations Track Club and helped collect a team third-place finish at AAU Nationals.
Graham says: "I chose Pepperdine for the faith-centered education and intimate learning environment that comes with it. I'm looking forward to creating family-like bonds with teammates and classmates while admiring the views and embracing the Malibu lifestyle."
Nicole Hartung | Santa Clarita, Calif. | Saugus HS
Specializes in the 800, 1600, 3200 meters and the 4x400 meters, plus the 5K in cross country … Ran cross country and track all four years of high school … Finished the Foothill League finals with a 2:44.19 personal record in the 800 meters.
Hartung says: "I chose Pepperdine because of the amazing academic and athletic opportunities. I was impressed by the coaches and their philosophy on racing and being a team, the many resources available to students to create a great learning environment, and the university's commitment to pursuing Christ."
Sophia Kisir | Denville, N.J. | Cathedral Catholic HS
Specializes in the one mile and 800 meters, plus the 5K in cross country … A four-year varsity track athlete … Helped Cathedral Catholic High School to back-to-back CIF Division 3 Champions in cross country and earned third as a team at the State Championships for Division 3 … A three-time Western League champion in both cross country and track … Was part of the 4x800 meter relay team that placed first in Arcadia.
Kisir says: "I chose Pepperdine because I love the people there and the positive atmosphere it gives out. Once I walked onto campus I fell in love with the facilities and the track. The people were very welcoming especially the girls on the team. I knew once I toured that I would be successful at this school and accomplish a lot."
Kiley Langford | Visalia, Calif. | Redwood HS
Specializes in the 100, 200, 400 meters and both the 4x100 relay and 4x400 relay … Holds personal records of 13.29 in the 100 meter dash, 27.92 in the 200 meters and 1:06 in the 400 meters … Competed in the junior track olympics.
Langford says: "I chose Pepperdine because I felt it is where I would thrive best. Anytime I was in need of assistance, the Pepperdine staff was attentive and genuine in helping me. This is something that really stuck out to me. Another thing I love about Pepperdine is the study abroad program. They have so many great opportunities and locations to learn. The campus views are pretty cool too! I can't wait to watch the sunsets."
Madison Mason | Irvine, Calif. | Northwood High School
Specializes in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters as well as the 5K in cross country … A four-year varsity cross country and track athlete … Earned All-County her senior season in cross country … Set a 5:18.00 personal record in the 1,600 meters and a 17:47.00 three-mile personal record.
Mason says: "I chose Pepperdine because of the amazing psychology program the school offers. I also believe the small classes, beautiful campus, and close community is best for my growth and learning."
Sierra Nielsen | Gilbert, Ariz. | Gilbert Christian High School
Specializes in the 200 and 400 meters along with the 4x100 and 4x400 meter relays … Was part of the 2019 4x100-meter relay team that collected first place in the OSAA State Meet … Notched two fourth-place finishes in the 100 meters and 200 meters in the 2019 OSAA State Meet … Was a top-10 finisher in the 400 meter at the 2021 AIA State meet … Father played college baseball at Fordham University in Brooklyn, N.Y … Father was drafted in the 1997 MLB June Amateur Draft in the 16th round by the San Francisco Giants and played two seasons in the minors.
Nielsen says: "I chose Pepperdine to grow my faith in a Christian environment. I also wanted to study business and they have a great business program. The campus is also beautiful, and I love the beach!"
Spencer Mueller | Fresno, Calif. | Clovis North HS
Specializes in the 400, 800 and 1600 meters, as well as the 4x400 meters, plus the 5K in cross country … A four-year varsity runner in cross country and a three-year varsity runner in track … A two-year captain for both cross country and track … Helped the cross country team to collect a 2019 CIF Central Section Team Championship … Was part of the 2019 CIF State Team Champion team for track … Earned a 2021 second-place 800 meters CIF Central Section and Grand Masters Championship … Had a fourth-place finish in the 2020 Nike Portland Virtual Cross Country meet … Helped the cross country team to a 13th-place finish in the 2021 Central Section Championships … Father played collegiate soccer.
Mueller says: "For many reasons, Pepperdine felt like home to me. The Christian aspect of the university was inviting to a Christian like myself, where it will act as a place where I will have the chance to further strengthen my relationship with the Lord. The campus and location of Pepperdine is undeniably breathtaking and is one of Pepperdine's best features. During my official visit for cross country and track, I had an immediate connection with the team members and the coaches, and since running is such a big part of my life, it felt right to join the team in the fall of 2022. The University's academic excellence was one of the main reasons that I decided to make Pepperdine my final destination."
Kai Newman | Temecula, Calif. | Linfield Christian
Specializes in the mile, 800, 1600 and 3200 meters in track as well as the 4x400 … Currently holds the Linfield Christian school records in the mile, 3200 meters and the 5K … Earned the 2022 Ambassador League champion in the 800 and 1600 meters … A two-time Linfield Christian MVP in cross country … Earned rookie of the year at Linfield Christian during his sophomore year … Was the recipient of the Sportsman of the Year award at Linfield for the 2021-22 school year … Had a top-50 finish in the California D5 meet in cross country.
Newman says: "I chose Pepperdine for its strong academics and Christian community. Also, the location is unbeatable and the school just felt right."
Jenna Parsio | Orange County, Calif. | El Toro HS
Specializes in 200 and 400 meters as well as the 4x100 and 4x400 relays … Ranked seventh in the state of California in 2021 on the 4x400 meter relay team … Had a first-place finish in her heat in the 400 meters at the Arcadia Invitational in 2022 finishing in a time of 57.1, which is a personal record … Brother plays collegiate soccer at Northwest Nazarene University in Idaho.
Parsio says: "Pepperdine has been my dream school since my parents drove me up to Malibu when I was 10 years old. The location is perfect for me to live and grow on my own while still having access to my hometown whenever I am homesick! Pepperdine's journalism program also stuck out to me as I hope to have a career in sports journalism."
Hannah Renager | Fairfax, Va. | James W. Robinson Secondary School
Specializes in the 1,600 meters … A three-year varsity letter in cross country and track, and has competed four years in both sports at James W. Robinson Secondary School … Earned student-athlete honor roll all four years … Received James W. Robinson Secondary School Sportsmanship award, Booster award and Academic Award … Father wrestled in college … Has two brothers, one brother is a wrestler in college and the other brother swam in college.
Renager says: "I chose Pepperdine because it is a place where I feel I will thrive spiritually, academically, socially, and physically. The atmosphere on-campus is unmatched; it is truly a special place."
Savannah Shaw | Downingtown, Pa. | Downingtown STEM Academy
Specializes in the 800, 1600 and 3200 meters, plus the 5K in cross country … A four-year varsity runner in both cross country and indoor and outdoor track … Captained the cross country team her senior year … Helped her cross country team capture conference and district championships in 2019 … Was a part of the 2021 distance medley relay team that placed 14th at the New Balance Nationals with a time of 12:25.
Shaw says: "I chose Pepperdine because I felt it offered me the best environment to pursue my academics and athletics together. I fell in love with the campus, and the area in general is a place I have always wanted to live. I feel that Pepperdine offers one of the programs that will best prepare me for my future career goals as a physician. I am beyond excited to become a part of Pepperdine's cross country and track teams and make my dreams of a top tier undergraduate education, collegiate running, and West Coast living come true."
Mia Skuraton | Mendham, N.J. | Perkiomen School
Specializes in the 200 and 400 meters … Occasionally ran the 100 and 800 meters … Captained the varsity track team … Currently holds the Perkiomen School record in the 400 meters.
Skuraton says: "I chose Pepperdine because it was the best fit for me overall. I felt at home athletically, academically, and in every other aspect I was looking for and I can't wait to spend the next four years here!"
Faith Talbott | McKinney, Texas | McKinney Boyd High School
Specializes in the 800 and 1,600 meters, plus the 5K in cross country … Captained the cross country and track teams at McKinney Boyd High School for two years … Received the Bronco Award at McKinney Boyd twice … Named to the Texas Academic All-State first team her senior year … A part of the 2020 6A District Champions squad … A three-time 6A regional qualifier.
Talbott says: "I chose Pepperdine for the close-knit academic and spiritual community, and the opportunity to run collegiate track and cross country!
Patrick Thomas | Paso Robles, Calif. | Mission College Prep
Specializes in the 800, 1600 and 3200 meters, plus the 5K in cross country … Captained the cross country and track team junior and senior year … Named the 2021 Cross Country Central Section Division 4 Champion … A scholar-athlete at Mission College Prep.
Thomas says: "I chose to attend Pepperdine because of the close sense of family and friendship that the school and cross country/track team seemed to have, the challenging academics, and the close proximity to the ocean and nature."
Mason Turner | Durango, Colo. | Durango High School
Specializes in the 100, 200 and 400 meters … Earned Track Academic All-State first team honors … Was part of the 4x400 meter relay team that placed 10th at state … Received Newcomer of the Year Award at Durango High School … Collected a second-place finish in the 400 meters at the Southwestern League meet … A scholar-athlete at Durango High School … Grandfather played collegiate basketball at University of Kansas with Wilt Chamberlain.
Turner says: "Pepperdine has been my dream school since I first visited the campus. I instantly fell in love and felt at home on the campus. I chose Pepperdine because of its rigorous academics and welcoming community. I am inspired by the students and faculty and how they strive for success in the classroom, during extracurricular activities and exploring spiritual faith."
Daniel Whitaker | Lexington, Ky. | Lafayette HS
Specializes in the 400, 800 and 1600 meters, plus the 5K in cross country … Currently holds the Lafayette High School record for the 800 meters, collecting a time of 1:57.00, which is also his personal best … Named one of the top-10 runners in his division in the Fayette County Public Schools … Earned All-Area 6 Team postseason honors in 2021.
Whitaker says: "After being introduced to Pepperdine by my parents and learning I could run for the team, it was an easy first choice. The campus is beautiful, and I am extremely excited to run all around it!"
Abby Winter | Edina, Minn. | Edina HS/Southwest Christian HS
Specializes in the 800 and 1,600 meters as well as the 4x400 relay, plus the 5K in cross country … Marked a 1:05.00 400-meter personal record as well as a 2:27.00 800-meter personal record … In distance events in track, she recorded personal records of 5:16.00 in the 1,600 meters and 11:50.00 in the 3,200 meters … Has run a personal record 5K in 19:27.00 … Older sister, Maddi Winter, attended Pepperdine.
Winter says: "Despite how much my sister loves Pepperdine and how beautiful the campus is, I chose Pepperdine in order to continue to grow in prosper through all parts of myself. After meeting with coaches, teachers and teammates, I knew they would be able to bring the best out of myself and help me reach my potential. I also want to study abroad, and I understand studying abroad is important at Pepperdine!"
