Alumni Spotlight - Aug. 30, 2012
Tiara Malcom - Women's Basketball (Delaware '05)
One of the top inside players in University of Delaware women's basketball history, Tiara Malcom followed an outstanding collegiate with a successful coaching career as a current assistant with the Blue Hen women's team.
A native of Wilmington, Del., Tiara attended nearby Caravel Academy, where she was an All-State player, and was a standout immediately with the Blue Hens in a career that spanned from 2001-05 for head coach Tina Martin.
She led the team to a four-year record of 89-32 (55-15 in league play),two Colonial Athletic Association regular season titles, and three post-season Women's NIT Tournament appearances.
As a power forward, Tiara earned All-CAA honors three times and was the 2005 CAA Player of the Year when she led league with 15.5 points per game and pulled 6.8 rebounds per game. She also was named the 2005 UD Outstanding Senior Female Athlete of the Year.
A seven-time CAA Player of the Week, set school records for career free throws made (535 - also CAA record), games played (121), and double figure scoring games (88) and ranks No. 4 all-time in scoring (1,545 points), No. 5 in blocks (109), and No. 9 in rebounding (794).
She will be inducted into the UD Athletic Hall of Fame this November, 2012.
As a student-athlete, what brought you to the University of Delaware?
"The University of Delaware was the first to offer me a scholarship as a high school sophomore. The thrill of being able to play in front of my family and the many people who watched me grow in the game of basketball was one that I could not pass up. Coach Tina Martin had a vision for her program in the future and told me that I would be a big part of that, and it excited me.”
What do you remember most about your time as a student-athlete at the University of Delaware?
"Definitely my teammates. All the time we spent together I would not trade it for the world. The bus rides, airports, hanging out in the locker room, being roommates, pushing each other to the limit in practice, and even the times when we needed a break from each other!”
Tell us about your current career and what makes it so special?
"I am an Assistant Coach with the Women’s basketball team here at Delaware. I am able to go to work every day knowing that there will be different challenges to face but most of all that I will have FUN. The fact that I am able to impact the lives of the young ladies on our team makes me very excited. To watch each player come in as a freshman and leave as a senior, seeing their growth, is what makes my job special."
What are memories from last year?
"The team last year was a very serious, goal driven group but after they accomplished a goal, WATCH OUT!! They were a fun, funny, goofy, and all together GREAT bunch!! I remember the feeling that came over me when we did something that no other basketball team was able to do at this university (win a postseason game). it was incredible!"
What would be your advice to today's women's student-athletes?
"WORK hard, PLAY hard, and prepare to be the best STUDENT ATHLETE you can be, but also enjoy being in college.”
What do you like to do outside of work?
"I am a BIG SHOPPER.. I love shoes and clothes! I also like to travel, spend time with my family, read and visit the beach. Oh yeah, and I am a REALITY TV junkie (I probably shouldn’t share this but it is my guilty pleasure)."
What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?
“I really like to cook!! I did not discover this until about 2 years ago, but whenever I am able to, I enjoy making a good, homemade meal."
