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Pepperdine University Athletics

Building Waves

Building Waves

Building Waves, our professional development program, prepares our student athletes for life after Pepperdine by clarifying their career interests, establishing connections with alumni and industry experts, and increasing confidence in their transferable professional skills. 

The Building Waves program includes:

  • Resume and Career Skills Workshops
  • Networking Events
  • One-on-One Mentoring
  • Life Beyond Sport Workshops

 

Pepperdine Athletics is proud to celebrate the professional accomplishments of our alumni and foster meaningful connections with our current student athletes through the Building Waves program. Since 2020, Waves graduating between 1979-2022 have given back to our students by participating in our networking, mentoring, and life beyond sport events.  Drawing upon the expertise and experience of our alumni we empower the next generation of Wave greats.

"Building Waves gave me a deeper understanding of how the business world truly works. I learned what stands out in interviews, gained technical knowledge specific to commercial real estate, and received valuable answers to both basic and advanced questions. I also made some meaningful connections that could lead to future job or internship opportunities. Overall, I feel much more confident in my skills—I'm now interning in the field and adapting quickly thanks to what I learned through this program."
Karina Gonzalez, Women's Soccer Class of 2025

2024–25 Program Impact

In 2024–25, the program engaged over 80 student-athletes across 12 programs and all four class years in a variety of workshops, events, and mentorship opportunities focused on career preparation and personal growth. Since 2021, almost 90 alumni have shared their time and expertise with student athletes. Our signature program is the one-on-one mentoring program which matches current student athletes with alumni who match their career interests. This past year, 32 alumni mentors stepped up to guide, encourage, and inspire our student-athletes.

78 participants representing 12 men's and women's sports
Engagement across all class years:
Freshmen: 17
Sophomores: 16
Juniors: 22
Seniors: 23

Participating teams:
Baseball (20), Men's Water Polo (14), Cross Country/Track (14), Women's Swimming/Diving (7), Women's Basketball (5), Women's Soccer (5), Women's Basketball (5), Beach Volleyball (4), Women's Tennis (2), Men's Tennis (2) and Men's Golf (1)

 

building waves
building waves
This has been an inspiring year for Building Waves with participation across sports at an all-program high. Helping our student athletes prepare for the transition out of college athletics and appreciate their unique value in the professional world, I'm seeing them step into this new confidence. For this, I have to thank our Wave alumni who are the linchpin of this program. We know the caliber of our alumni is tremendous, and they are making an enormous impact on the next generation of Waves.
Director of Academics and Student-Athlete Development Erin Carroll "

Since its inception, Building Waves has helped foster strong bonds between current Waves and alumni dating back as far as the Class of 1979. These connections have provided insight into industries such as law, business, education, healthcare, and more while delivering tailored support from those who understand the unique journey of a student-athlete.

Building Waves serves all student-athletes, with expanded sessions created in partnership with Pepperdine's sport psychology staff. This includes special emphasis on life beyond sports, equipping student-athletes with tools to manage the emotional and professional transitions that come after their final season.

Please fill out this Google Form if you are an alum interested in participating in our Building Waves professional development program.

Please email Erin Carroll if you would like to share a job or internship opportunity for student-athletes.