Junior Jessica Wiles may be new to Pepperdine but she is no stranger to water polo. With hair tucked beneath caps and constant swimming back and forth it can be hard to recognize players in the pool. But it’s not hard to spot Wiles – she brings a special energy to the pool.
Always with a smile her sweet and bubbly personality keeps Pepperdine’s women’s water polo team upbeat and her fierce passion drives the Waves through each game.
Wiles20 transferred to Pepperdine from Brea Calif. in the fall of 2010. She played water polo for Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut Calif. where she was captain her freshman and sophomore year. Though Wiles has been swimming for more than nine years she has played water polo for about six years.
Forget your typical college athlete dedicated since they were 5 years old. Wiles was swimming with some varsity water polo players in high school when they convinced her to try out for the team. She agreed to play just for one summer.
Wiles discovered a newfound love and appreciation for water polo.
Transferring to Pepperdine as a junior Wiles was excited to continue to play water polo.
“I like the game and I have fun playing she said. Sports at the college level is highly competitive, but it’s the pure love and joy for the game that keeps Wiles grounded.
Wiles admits the teams were more competitive at Mt. Sac. Because water polo at Pepperdine is a club sport, it is much more relaxed. Wiles strives to find the balance between fun and competition.
I’m pretty competitive so I work really hard to do my best but it’s a club sport so I try to have fun and take it seriously as well Wiles said.
With just 12 players on the team, the team signs up a lot of first-time players. It can be a tough sport especially if you’re just starting now Wiles says.
Wiles takes the challenge of helping and encouraging the new girls on the team. You need everyone all together Wiles said. Teamwork is essential in any sport. You have to be close with each other to work well together.”
She holds nothing short of pure appreciation and respect for the rest of her team. “They’re fun!” she gushes. “We have some really talented girls.”
Some girls have formed stronger relationships since being on the team since their freshman year But Wiles doesn’t feel left out. Next year she will even be living with a friend she made on the team.
Wiles’ leadership shines during practices and games. She passes her energy off to her teammates as well and smiles warmly while she leads.
Do not be mistaken though. When it is game time there comes a game face. Wiles’ competitive side shines through giving her perseverance. She plays the offensive position set. Water polo is a severely aggressive sport where fouls are common.
Her passion for the sport is heightened when Wiles is focused on the game.
“It is a very challenging and aggressive sport but it is fun. It’s different and that’s what I like about it Wiles said.
The team practices five days a week from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Practices are pretty tough we spend a lot of time conditioning with swimming and leg workouts Wiles explains.
The conditioning needed to play water polo is demanding. Throughout the game, no player is permitted to touch the bottom of the pool. Each game is four periods, each seven minutes long.
It’s a really good workout Wiles said. Treading water really builds up the muscles.
Water polo was not Wiles’ only sport. Though she tried a lot of sports, swimming, soccer and dance stuck. Wiles played soccer for 11 years, and danced for five. Though jazz and hip hop were fun when Wiles was younger, they were cut when her busy schedule forced her to narrow her options.
With a height of 5 feet 10 inches tall, some are surprised that water polo became her sport of choice. Often asked if she plays basketball, Wiles is proud to say she plays water polo.
Wiles recognizes some athletes are turned off by water polo because the players are constantly treading water. Yet, this is why Wiles loves it. It’s a great workout and it’s different.”
When not in the pool Wiles can be found working or enjoying herself hanging out with friends. Though her job doesn’t get her very far away from the water. She is both a lifeguard here at Pepperdine and has worked as one back home as well.
Though she loves the water Wiles admits if she had time she would probably be singing. She has sung in choir from elementary through high school and for the praise team at her church. However due to a lack of time Wiles is swamped with homework.
Since Brea is not far from Malibu it is always nice to have family close by. When Wiles chose to attend Pepperdine her younger sister Jessica Wiles chose to come here too as an incoming freshman. “We’re like best friends Wiles says with a smile.
Wiles first visited Pepperdine as a high school student, attending Pepperdine’s Thanksgiving Youth Fest. Her home church, Sunny Hills Church of Christ, has always been affiliated with Pepperdine. A lot of friends from her home church also attend Pepperdine.
Wiles has continued to put her faith in God throughout her college career.
Water polo just competed in a tournament in San Diego April 9-10. Because of the team’s size, there are no subs to play, but that doesn’t stop the girls’ perseverance. Though Pepperdine did not come home with any victories, the team members were happy with their strong effort. Wiles scored in every game.
Wiles and the rest of the team welcomes new fans and new teammates.
We are always looking for more players!” Wiles exclaimed. Anyone can come find the team at the Pepperdine pool during regular practice hours 6 p.m to 8 p.m Sunday through Thursday.