Andrea Oates was comfortable travelling all the way from Pretoria South Africa to play tennis for Pepperdine. Even if it was sort of a last-minute deal.
The sophomore has played tennis since she was 6 years old. “It was kind of a family affair Oates said. My grandparents played my mom played and my sisters and I have played since we were really small. It started totally for fun.”The middle child of three girls Oates played other sports in middle school but decided at age 13 to seriously pursue tennis. She had no idea that she would in fact make a college career of it.When one of Oates’ friends from Pretoria made the men’s tennis team at Pepperdine he recommended her to Head Coach Gualberto Escudero. “Gual took his word and called and offered me a spot she said. Oates, who had been planning on finishing high school and immediately enrolling in professional tournaments, saw the coach’s offer as an unexpected opportunity.It was lonely playing in tournaments by myself she said. I actually missed school and it sounded like a really good idea.”Oates who’d received competing offers from coaches at other schools visited the Pepperdine website and almost immediately fell in love with the university. “The weather in South Africa is always sunny and warm and perfect. I could never go from that to someplace cold she said. Malibu seemed just right.”Because of the seasonal difference schools in Pretoria start in January and end in December. Andrea graduated from high school took a month off to play in tennis tournaments and then came straight to Pepperdine to begin the spring semester. “There was no time for a recruiting process she said. I hadn’t taken the SAT or anything at that point. It all happened so fast.” Oates said that the first semester away from her family was really hard but that it got easier over time. She remains close with sisters Caryn and Aimee whom she describes as her best friends. Oates’ parents have supported her all the way. “They know how much I love it and that Pepperdine is a great school she said. Despite the distance, she stays close to them through technology, for which Oates says, Thank goodness.”Oates had an impressive first season at Pepperdine and was named to the All-WCC Honorable Mention squad in singles. “Andrea was very consistent. She had the best record on the team said Coach Escudero. This season she is wanting to be more offensive which means she is playing differently.” The girls faced some unfortunate struggles at the beginning of this season. “We had home matches that had to be rescheduled because of the rain Oates said. Our very first matches ended up being away and against really good teams like UCLA and USC so it was a rough way to start.”Fortunately the rest of their matches for this season will be played at Pepperdine. “It really helps having the home support she said.Oates said she is thankful for the positive dynamic between her teammates. I love everyone on my team. We all get along very well she said. The girls practice six days a week, sometimes early in the morning. On having early practices, Oates said she doesn’t mind. I’m one of those weird morning people so it’s not that bad.” Participating in athletics at the college level involves a lot of dedication from every player. Of the time commitment Andrea said that growing up with athletics has definitely paid off.”Athletes don’t have as much free time as other people she said. In some ways this makes it easier because you get good at managing your time and making sure things get done. It’s when I have too much free time that procrastination is a problem.”Free time is certainly a rarity in Andrea’s schedule. She is considering switching to a double major in History and Integrated Marketing Communications in order to embrace her artistic side and people skills. As for her plans for the future Andrea said she’s more focused on the present. “I just wanna do my best for my team and win as many matches as I can she said. College means so many fun new experiences. Right now I’m just living and getting stuff done.”Off the court Andrea is just like any other college student. She loves reading (the Harry Potter books are her favorites) drawing and watching TV – especially medical dramas like House and Grey’s Anatomy. She also enjoys hanging out with friends being outdoors eating sushi and chocolate and listening to techno rock and Bob Marley. On the court she is a passionate and dedicated athlete. “Andrea stands out because she’s quite likeable by her peers friends and teachers said Escudero. She’s dependable smart and goal-oriented and she gets what she wants.” The 2010 Pepperdine women’s tennis team consists of seniors Marigrace Marshall and Tania Rice juniors Anamika Bhargava and Khunpak Issara sophomore Ali Walters and freshmen Arianna Colffer and Marie Zalameda. Said Colffer “Andy has great energy and she never gives up. She has a real fire and I admire her for that.””I’m really lucky with my teammates Andrea said. I love all of them. It makes me want to do my best and not let them down.”Escudero said he’s glad to have Oates on the team. “She’s very driven – driven to win driven to fight.”Oates’ current record is 8-8 in singles.