Courtesy: Pepperdine Athletics
MALIBU, Calif. – The Pepperdine swim and dive team will bring in six new student-athletes for the 2020-21 season.
“To say we are pleased with our 2020 women’s swim and dive recruiting class would be a tremendous understatement,” said interim head coach Jana Vincent. “With an equal balance between incoming swimmers and divers, this class represents not only the future of our program, but also a testament to the foundation built by our current and former student-athletes. Building on the momentum and culture created by our graduating seniors, these talented and committed young ladies represent the best in the pool, in the classroom and in the community. This recruiting class is defined by their desire to attend Pepperdine University and represent the Waves for an unparalleled education, values and competitive opportunity. We cannot wait to welcome them to Malibu and get started with this exciting new chapter.”
Here’s some info on the incoming Waves:
Brianna Cannon | Diving | Katy, Texas | Katy HS
Cannon has earned academic all-district, academic all-region and academic all-state at Katy High. She competes in the 1-meter and 3-meter diving events and has been a team captain for her team the past two years. She has earned Diver of the Year for her team twice, has been named an all-American and all-state for diving, four-time all-district, and three-time all-region. Cannon also enjoys reading, playing games with family and hanging out with her friends.
“I chose to compete for Pepperdine because I wanted to go somewhere that would challenge me and help me grow in academics and athletics,” said Cannon.
Ellie Hendren | Backstroke/Freestyle | Highlands Ranch, Colo. | Mountain Vista HS
During Hendren’s time at Mountain Vista, she has earned academic all-state, was a Distributive Education Clubs of America district and state qualifier and earned a spot at DECA nationals. She swims for Highlands Ranch Aquatics and Mountain Vista High, specializing in the 50 free, 100 free and 100 back and has been a high school conference qualifier (2017-2019), high school state qualifier (2017-2019), sectional qualifier (2018-2019), and Colorado state qualifier (2016-2019). Aside from swimming, Hendren also participates in volunteering and church activities, and enjoys traveling and spending time with her dogs.
“I chose Pepperdine because of the opportunity to grow in my faith, the service-based community, and the family-like dynamic of the swim team,” said Hendren.
Anna Johnson | Diving | East Lyme, Conn. | East Lyme HS
During her time at East Lyme High, Johnson has earned the CT Colt Award twice for her excellence in French and also participated in cheerleading and lacrosse. She competes in 1-meter diving for Elite Diving Club and has been a four-time Connecticut state qualifier in diving, 2018 Eastern Connecticut Conference Diving Champion, 2018 All-ECC Diver and 2019 team Scholar-Athlete. Johnson also enjoys photography.
“I chose Pepperdine because I felt an immediate sense of community when I stepped on campus,” said Johnson. “The feeling of immense support and care for every person’s success both academically and athletically was unmatched. I felt that the vast support on the Pepperdine campus would allow me to flourish both academically and athletically. I also love Pepperdine’s emphasis on purpose, service, and leadership. And of course, the gorgeous campus is also a plus.”
Taylor Thomas | Backstroke/Butterfly | Pleasant Hill, Calif. | College Park HS
Thomas earned outstanding achievement in science for her biology honor roll at College Park High. She competes for Orinda Aquatics, specializing in the 100 and 200 backstroke and 100 and 200 butterfly. Thomas also enjoys, drawing, reading and wake boarding.
“I am so excited to swim for Pepperdine,” said Thomas. “The support each and every one of the girls show for each other is exactly what I was looking to be a part of. I’m so excited to be a part of such a supportive team.”
Jordan Williams | Backstroke/Freestyle | Nashville, Tenn. | Ensworth School
Williams swims for Ensworth Aquatics, specializing in the 50 and 100 free and 100 and 200 backstroke. She is a Coach’s Award recipient from Sequoia Swim Team and helped her high school team to a fourth-place finish in the 200 medley relay and a sixth place in the 200 free relay at the 2020 Tennessee State Championships. Williams also sings in an a cappella group, participates in plays, and is the president of the Best Buddies chapter at Ensworth School.
“I chose to swim for Pepperdine not only for the school’s academic excellence, but for the inviting community of the team,” said Williams. “I can’t wait to be on a team with such a close group of girls, which is why I’m ecstatic to continue my swimming career at Pepperdine.”
Nina Wu | Diving | Arcadia, Calif. | Arcadia HS
Wu competes in the 1-meter and 3-meter diving for Arrow Dive Club and Arcadia High. Outside of diving, Nina also enjoys singing, playing the guitar, art and reading.
“Pepperdine stood out to me as a place where I could stabilize and grow with faith through not just academics but also my athletic career,” said Wu. “The sense of community and support throughout everyone on the team is something I am amazed by and proud to be a part of for the next four years. I cannot wait to be competing and training alongside everyone.”
The Waves are coming off a second-place finish at the 2020 PCSC Championships, one of the best finishes in school history.
