MALIBU—Pepperdine University’s women’s tennis head coach, Gualberto Escudero, will retire from his position after completing his 37th season of the 2013-14 program. The Pepperdine University website states that “While Pepperdine had a women’s tennis team prior to his hiring as head coach in 1977-78, all of the school’s records begin with [Escudero’s] era.”
According to his profile on the Pepperdine site, Escudero is originally from Quillocollo, Bolivia, and “graduated from Hollywood High School before going on to obtain both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Pepperdine, earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in physical education in 1972. He went on to complete his credential requirements towards a Master of Arts in Teaching in 1976.”
Escudero also played for the Pepperdine Waves throughout 1969-72 under head coach John McClung. His profile states “Escudero was a finalist in the 1969 WCAC singles tournament and won the doubles title with John Lovelace. Pepperdine won conference titles in 1969 and 1970 and finished second the next two years.”
For the last 36 seasons, Escudero has created history for women’s tennis in Pepperdine University. According to their athletics website, their head coach’s accomplishments are as such: “Escudero has led Pepperdine to a 632-329 record and 30 berths in NCAA postseason events (29 not including regionals). The Waves have reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament on four occasions (1989, 1990, 1991 and 1994). Pepperdine hasn’t missed the postseason since 1987.
The Waves have finished among the nation’s top 10-ranked squads eight times and in the top 25 on 26 occasions.
None of the competition in the WCC comes close to matching the Waves, who have won a total of 23 league tournament titles, and the first-ever awarded regular-season crown in 2012. Pepperdine won 14 straight tournament crowns from 1988-2001, and another seven in a row from 2003-09. The Waves have won all but five of the WCC championship tournaments ever held, and no other school has won more than two. Since the tournament went to its current dual-match format in 1995, the Waves have posted a remarkable 52-3 (.945) record.
Over the years, Pepperdine has collected 35 All-American selections, four WCC Player of the Year awards and seven WCC Freshman of the Year accolades.”
Escudero’s win total ranks second among all women’s tennis coaches and he is just one of three coaches to have reached the 600 wins milestone, alongside Lin Loring and Jeff Wallace.
In an interview with W.tv following Pepperdine’s win in the WCC, regarding his retirement as head coach, Escudero has said, “I will probably be coaching even more so in the future…it’s hard to make a change at Pepperdine since I was there for 37 years.” He confirmed that he will remain Associate Head Coach for the Waves.
