A New Chapter for the Waves
Brian Kelly Porth, a longtime assistant who helped steer the program from eight victories to a 21‑win campaign, has been elevated to associate head coach for the 2025‑26 season. His ascent follows a two‑year stretch in which the Waves posted the fifth‑best turnaround in Division I history, capturing the attention of national analysts and fans alike.
The team’s breakthrough included a first‑ever Super 16 appearance in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament and a perfect 2‑0 record at home in Firestone Fieldhouse, where the crowd witnessed two postseason triumphs that underscored the program’s rising stature.
Porth will work alongside head coach Katie Faulkner, whose second consecutive season promises continuity and depth. The trio is completed by returning assistants Erika Bean and Kamran Sufi, forming a coaching unit that blends fresh ideas with institutional knowledge.
Home Courts, New Horizons
Games will be played in two distinct venues: the iconic Firestone Fieldhouse in Malibu, California, and the vibrant arena in Santa Clara, California. Both locations have become symbolic of the program’s expanding footprint across the state, drawing larger audiences and fostering regional rivalries.
The 2025‑26 schedule also reflects the program’s strongest non‑conference start in 45 years, a 9‑3 record that highlights the team’s ability to compete beyond the West Coast Conference. Early NET rankings place Pepperdine fourth in the nation for turnaround, climbing from 285 to 132 in the latest metrics.
With four NCAA postseason appearances to its name and a legacy of WCC regular‑season titles and tournament victories, the Waves are poised to add another chapter. The blend of experienced leadership and youthful talent suggests that the upcoming season could be the most competitive yet.