Eat Sleep Build Repeat with Coach Mallon
Nate, Bill and Anthony talk to Coach Mallon on her journey to the Head Coaching position, her mentors and the consistency and culture they've been able to foster that is unique to the program.
Transcript
Nate H: Hi Everyone. Welcome to Dragonscast, I think I'm getting that We switched our name a little bit from Dragonscast to the Drexel Basketball Podcast. I'm Nate. We got Bill, Anthony's joining us, and then very honored and lucky to have, Coach Amy Mallon with us, the Head Coach of the Drexel Women's Basketball Program. So Coach Mallon, thanks for taking the time out and welcome.
Coach Mallon: Thank you for having me. I'm real, real excited to, have this opportunity with you guys tonight.
Nate H: Yeah, and I guess for me listening to podcasts, I always, I'll listen to one. It basically, it takes me about five to 10 minutes to decide if I like it or not. And I use the example of Penn State Football podcasts or a couple. Somebody said, too much and I'm like, I don't like this one.
There's another one that is two brothers bickering back and forth. Am I am not a. So people may be tuning in and so within that first five minutes they're, they may only hear this part. So I wanted to start out with coach. If you're a student, a fan, alumni, you live in Philadelphia or anywhere, why would you tell 'em to come to a Drexel basketball game?
Coach Mallon: I think Drexel basketball has something unique and special and I think if you've seen our teams play, there's like when you think about teams in Philly, I think we have a unique style in what we do and how we play and just the connections. I think if you watched our team last year, I had so many people say to me, I just loved watching your team play.
I rooted for you guys no matter what, win, win, or lose. And there's just something about the way we play and the connection we have. And I do think. Especially now with the renovations we've made in the DAC and the investment the school's made into the DAC, I'm really excited about how the, those home court games are gonna be this season.
Coach Mallon: So I think that's another reason I think there's gonna be great energy, with the upcoming renovations that everyone's gonna get a chance to see this season.
Nate H: Sometimes I get tired. Iyou guys have been good crowds, but I get tired of feeling like I have to sell, the women's program. And it's not that we have, again, crowds are better. But so I was a freshman. 2002 to 2003. You started at Drexel in 2004. So all I know is you know yourself and then you know Coach Dylan prior to that.
And it has been wonderful following your program. I'm watching one Philadelphia team in a playoff, Phillies, you said you're going down tomorrow night. not seeing that very often, but you were, your program is one of the few kind of constants that we had that we could root for. so thank you for that.
and being sustained success, we don't have that.
I appreciate it. that was something, with my start at Drexel. one thing I talked about with,Denise, when we started working there together and, we really thought we could get something done there. And I think it was, it was a lot of work,that we put down, but in the foundation.
Coach Mallon: But I really think that's, when you mentioned what kind of team do you want people to come out? See, I think people root for us. know, I think you see a player like Hannah NY Hill last year and you watch your career and you watch her play and she's she's just what Philly's about?
that grit, the way she plays. And I do think we've been able to, find our niche, especially with local players and find those kids at local. And like you said, I'd love to see more people at Be out the games. I'm hoping that,as we are able to get more, exposure, media attention, I think it really, I think we're exciting team to see, you watch our players play and I think it's, something that if you're in Philly and you get a chance to come out to a game, we continue.
Coach Mallon: Cause I think we have proven to be successful and and that's something I'm hoping we'll continue to prove, moving forward.
Nate H: And now we've heard about it, but, tell us a little bit about the re renovations and things that'll be new this year.
the hot topic is the video board, which just allows that inter interaction with,the fans with the students that are there. I think it gives a little more entertainment during the games in the sense of keeping. entertained in a different kind of way.
and we've been able to be in other arenas where they have that and you've been to professional games and you're gonna see a lot of that type of action, whether it's the camp, with like contests and things going on. But I think it's gonna bring a lot more energy and excitement and I think it's deserving for our student athletes too, to be able to have that type of atmosphere, know, to play in.
Coach Mallon: I think it's gonna definitely attract more attention. we want that, the DAC, we want it to be, the heart of campus. We want it to be a place when there's a game, whether it's on the, the men's side or the women's side or whatever's going on there that, all the students, are, they know about it and they wanna be there.
And I think this video board and the sound system and the lights, they're all different. It's actually gonna bring a lot more excitement to the.
Nate H: Yeah. we're looking forward to going. I may not make it on the 10th. Which by the way, and you guys, I dunno if you, I dunno if Dan teases me about the promotions, but, Free tickets for Veterans, I think the Thursday night and Friday night and drexel dragons.com, look around, we are, the promotional schedules up.
Lots of good stuff going for that too. lots of good reasons to come down to the DAC this year.
Coach Mallon: Yeah, we'd love to see everybody out. I think there's lots of promotions going on that we're excited about.
Nate H: Coach, I'm always a big fan of, learning about people. That's what got me into podcasts. so I, if you don't mind taking us back, where you from originally, I think I saw you played in Maryland. but where you from and where you grew up and that sort of thing.
I'm from Ellicott City, Maryland, which is right between Baltimore and Washington, so it's,my, my dad had a business in Baltimore, so I grew up going to the Baltimore Orioles games, so a lot of people will say, Hey, they're my American League team and the Phillies are my National League team, cuz my grandfather was a big Phillies fan, but, I spent over, my family lived there over 30 years.
Coach Mallon: Then my, and then my parents retired to Hanover Pennsylvania, so a lot of my time spent in Maryland, where I played at Mount He high School, which we had a great program. We won state title like three years in a row, undefeated my senior year. I just was really fortunate to have great coaches in high school that really inspired me to, believe I could play at the next level.
And I'm still in touch with them now, which is really the cool part about when you get into this profession, you keep going. there were three coaches, that are, all two of 'em are still coaching, but one retired and when we go to Charleston, my high school coach is there. He comes to the games and he still watches games and gives me feedback.
and he's right on too. I said, there's a reason why I learned so much from you and my other, who were assistants there down coaching in the Maryland area. And one has some of the top ranked recruits in the nation, at McDonough High School. And so I'm just really lucky I three guys that just really.
when you talk about did it for the right reasons, really developed you and really made you believe, they told you the truth, which was the best part. When you weren't working hard enough, they pretty much told you. And it was probably the best thing that ever happen to me, having them as coaches because I realized, I could maybe, earn a scholarship and play at the next level.
and that did work out for me. I went on to Richmond, the University of Richmond and, had a great experience there. was on two ca title teams. We won tournament my sophomore junior year, the first for the school, and it was, is really exciting to be part of that. And then on to St.
Coach Mallon: Joe's. know, I transferred to St. Joe's, I filed my coach that went there. and now, people wouldn't blink, that happens like that, all the time. But, at the time, people were like, Why would you do that? But I said, I think that's what you did. You know, a lot of reasons you go to schools, obviously for the academics, you spend so much time with your team and your coaches and that experience.
I think that was, I wanted to get into coaching, so I saw that as another chance to play. Different school. get my graduate degree and be a grad assistant. And I really thought that's where I'd start my coaching career as a grad assistant. And, but then it led me to, to play professionally, again, another opportunity to do something in a sport.
I didn't think I was gonna be able to do that. I thought I had to get into coaching. And then, my agent, which I, if you guys, I'm sure you know this name, but my agent when I went to play overseas was Steve Mix.
Nate H: Okay. All right.
Coach Mallon: So former Sixers,played with Dr. Jay and I met him playing pickup at St. Joe's with Dr.
Jay. We'd all have noontime hoops there. And, he'd be up there and Dr. Jay and we would play, It was actually fun. You think about noontime hoops and Sixers used to train there. So Salt, Wall Bowl, Charles Barkley, they were all in there. I started playing with Steve, . It was really fun.
You think about that now it's like you don't see that as much, but, great experience. But he said, Hey, if you wanna go overseas, you, I'll represent you. And I end up getting in a position, or contract to play over in Luxembourg. . so that's where I started. I didn't think that was gonna happen, so I thought I'd get into coaching.
I coached, young players over there as well while I was playing. And then, came back. I did the, everyone looks at my career. I came back and I heard there was gonna be a league starting here in the state. I kept training and got hired from by Harry Preta at Villanova. And,Harry Preta, who's a legend in, in the women's game, coaching for as long as he did it, it was a great experience and he had recruited me outta high school, so I've known him since I was 16.
I always credit him for giving me my first college job, and he taught me a lot. And he also, again, I was still playing a lot because at the time I was still training, hoping this league would open up. But I coached Denise, which is the funny part. I was the third, I was the third assistant her senior year at Villanova.
Nate H: Okay. Wow.
Coach Mallon: So I don't know if people know that we played against each other. She was a freshman my senior year at St. Joe's, and we beat them. I always make sure I tell her that we beat 'em by about 30. we kick their butts, I always tell her that. And then, I end up coaching her senior year and she had a great, senior, great career Villanova.
But, so that's how we became friends, through the basketball world, and colleagues. But, yeah, so I, and then I ended up gonna St. Joe's for a year cuz my former coach, who I, always wanted to coach with was there and she offered me a position and then the league opened up the ABL.
and I got drafted and played with Dawn Staley, who I think everybody knows that name, one of the best point guards to play in the game ever. And now one of the best coaches, at our level. So she's tremendous and. I always say that experience with her, she's just she seems like she's had such a great platform for women's basketball and she always said to me, she's we were roommates, when we were playing professionally.
Coach Mallon: And she always said, There's enough out there for everybody, Amy. Everyone doesn't need all the attention. I think that's just kinda how you can see that's how she is as a person. So I always love that about, how she herself and very humble. and then I think she's, again, been a great role model for so many young women in the sport.
that's why I said Don got the job at Temple and she called me the day she got the job and said, Aim, you wanna come work with me? So I almost worked at all the Philly schools. I was working my way around. She got the job. She called me early one morning and I was still kinda not sure if I went to get back into college coaching after I finished playing.
Coach Mallon: And, I actually went back and coached high school for six years at Episcopal Academy, which was another great experience. loved the opportunity to do that. Learned so much coaching that I coached softball, basketball. Tennis. I did a little bit of everything. And the best part about that is I was teaching, middle school health, so you guys know how that is.
Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. Health was definitely an experience. but, and then Denise got the job at Drexel and now, 19 years later, they can't get rid of me. I love it. it's a place I love, people say that all the time. To be able to be someplace that long, you don't see that happening as much.
And I feel really lucky. I think the transition for me, was something I didn't really think about. I thought if there's opportunity, it was a reason why I was there for so long. Cause I wanted to be in a position to, step in if Denise were to, go somewhere else and it worked out for me, great.
I.
that's a great example of why I like and why, in general, why I got a podcast is the things you learn about people. you just thrown out there, pick up basketball with Dr. Jay. And then I, there was another podcast here, Can't remember if it was a k y w one or something, but you talked about Don Staley and hearing that connection.
I guess all those people had different pieces in who you are now.
Coach Mallon: Definitely, I said that I feel like everything, you learn as you go through each process. and for me, I really have an opportunity to work with someone like Harry Preta, who, has done so many things for. The game. Denise, obviously we worked together for so long, we were a great pair and we actually laughed about it cuz last year, we both were obvious.
We were both named, Coach of the Year in our leagues and then the Philly Co-Coach of the Year. So she's Damn, we should have been a lot better together. we both got Coach of the year, so we'd laugh about that. But, we, the one thing, we said we're not far apart.
we still talk every morning. we just talk about the same things, but we feel like we're impacting people in two different spaces. So we're actually impacting more people in what we do. But I feel really lucky. I've met so many great people and you talk about why you do what you do and I think one thing I learned from Denise is you surround yourself with good people.
Coach Mallon: And I think I've been really lucky to have been able to do that. and we did that for a long time a, as a duo. and now I think we're doing that with our staff and the people that we're able to work with, to the.
Nate H: And yeah, reading your bio is a random question, I, it's, as you went through each of your stops, you're just like, like in your, you're in the part of the Big Five Hall of Fame. Correct me if I'm wrong. you show up here, first NCAA tournament appearance, conference championship, on and on.
You were at Roosevelt College for what, one year in 1994. I. How many games did you win there and you win their championship
Coach Mallon: we didn't win championship there. that was a very humbling experience, because I said the one thing I learned, working at Rosemont and I was finishing, like I was doing like, that was that year. I was, it was I think right before, Villanova. And it was interesting because I was finishing my masters at St.
Joseph's time. Cause I had just come back from playing overseas and I had four jobs. I was coaching there, I was bartending, I was waitressing, I was moving furniture during the day, finishing. Because I had two more classes left to finish my masters. And I always say this to our players when they're like, Oh, get a job.
I go, You can, if you wanna work, you'll find a job. it's just the matter. Do you wanna do it? But learn so much because, I had, I got a chance to work in division three athletics. And division three athletics means you drive the vans, you mop the floors, you do pretty much everything, the laundry, the water,you get everything ready.
And I did a little bit at the high school level. So I think it was the best thing ever because now I can honestly say as a head coach,I'm not gonna ever ask anybody to do anything I probably didn't do myself. And it might be different now. So film exchange not, is not VHS tapes or DVDs, it's all digital, but there's a process to it.
So I think everything, the work you have to do, I think the, when you do that job, it just makes you a better, I think, a leader. and when you have to manage people doing it, cuz I think you understand what it takes to do it. yeah, I did have that experience as well. So a little bit of everything I think has helped me be patient in what I'm doing now, but also I think it's helped me.
Be well rounded in my management skills too.
Nate H: Yeah, I'm just think it maybe rubs off on your players too, cuz you have people that will do what needs to be done. obviously you have your players at leading scores and things like that, Bardian and Greenbergs and stuff. But then those role players like Mariah, Leonard and I could sit and think about those names too.
I. I learned that quality from you
Coach Mallon: I hope so. I hope that's part of the, I just think that's one of the best parts of coaching is you have special players in Morian and Greenberg and Muran and, they're so fun. You think about what they brought. But it was all those other players, like you said, the role players that really made the championships, that did those things that you needed to win the games.
And,they were willing to do, I think the great part about those type of players, they're the type of leaders that anybody will follow. And I think that's what you wanna be when you're a head coach. You wanna put, you wanna be a position where your team's gonna follow you and trust you what you're asking them to do.
Whatever that role may be. . I always say if the most disappointing thing that you experience when you're, when I'm coaching you is your playing time, then that's okay. because I think we've done everything else right? you've experienced winning, winning or winning a championship or post-season experience and all those things.
So I'm okay with you being disappointed of wanting to get on the floor cuz everybody should wanna work as hard as they can. So I can handle that, and we can manage through that. But I think, those roles usually change. players in our program, they constantly find a way, some play their freshman year, some don't play till a senior year, but they find a way, to impact.
And that all the time, which is also the fun part about what we do and how we play.
Nate H: We're very lucky about this. And you mentioned Drexel, 19 years, if I got the number of years right. it's a world where Yeah, go to a, at least in other college sports, you're there for a few years and you leave and bouncing around. I look at bios of coaches and they assistants all over the country.
what's kept you at Drexel, and other teams, that's stupid. They're not offering you jobs. I listen to Coach Di and I think it was at, I think she was on with Jay Wright, which is a really interesting podcast, and I think she threw out like Fordham as a program that it offered her. I could be wrong about that.
Nate H: Just shocked that, that, bigger programs wouldn't be offering. have you had opportunities and what keeps you.
Coach Mallon: I have, and I think in. In my time as associate head coach, I had I four different opportunities that were, serious that I, considered and really thought this could be the next step for me. One being Penn, in two, actually they all seemed to happen right after our championship years, so like 2009, Penn, I was, talking to them and I think one thing that's always kept me here, I feel like Drexel always, made sure to put me in a position that, making me feel wanted,they did things to make sure that I was comfortable and able to stay my role there.
And that was one of the things that happened in the 2000 thirteens Tony Brook, which is funny cuz now they're in our league. But, went up there and was offered a position there and again, a very great institution, great support for athletics and especially women's basketball. So I knew it would be a place you could be successful.
And they have been, know, you can see. And that's gonna be one of the tougher teams we play. coming into our, the new teams this year. I'd say I, I had calls from Delaware when that opened up. Bucknell LaSalle. So there's been, it's one of those things where it's I got to a point where I'm, and I wanna take calls and talk to people if it's not something I think I'm definitely gonna do or seriously considered, but I think the la the latest one, or the last one before this position was Davidson.
And I thought it, this is, this seems like the right fit. It's eight 10 has a great academic, you have all those things in place that I went down and, really loved, the campus, a lot of the things that he had to offer. And I think, for me, again, that was a decision to stay because I thought there was some hurdles they might be in place for me, from personal standpoint.
But I also knew Drexel's commitment to me. they, we had, some agreements that if Denise were to leave, that I was in position that to be, the next side coach. I feel like those are things that, serious conversations we had. So I thought that was another way they were showing a commitment to me being at Drexel.
In the future. So it actually worked out. I feel like things worked out. it was a really strange transition because it was during Covid when it happened. But, I say all that those things were, but there was something that kept me at Drexel. I think it was the people, I think it was the support.
I've never felt like we haven't been supported in what we do. And I think we work really hard, I think a lot of times, when you think about Drexel and especially our athletic programs in general, there's a piece where it's I think we've always had a little bit of the underdog mentality, but we always had that.
I think that's hard for us to have right now in our program because we've had some success, but we still have the underdog mentality, but a little bit of the confidence that, hey, we've been there, we can do this now. And, and I think that's one of the things, I think there's more left for this program to do.
too, I think I'm excited about the future. I think things are always changing. . I'm excited about the type of players, the culture we've established, and it's special to me. So I wanna continue to lead it for as long as I, can do it and do it the right way. As, as I've said before, I hate losing.
Coach Mallon: I think any coach will say that, and I always go into situations. I think all my life as a competitor is I never thought I was gonna lose, And so I did, and then I lose. I'm like, how am I gonna make myself better? I'm just gonna work a little harder at whatever it is I need to do.
So I'll continue to have that mentality with this group and, see where we go. But I'm excited again, about every year is new, every season's different. I think what we do and how we do it might not be, but I think the type of players, they're different every year. So that's the exciting part about, what we're gonna continue to.
Nate H: Yeah, no, and I dunno about you guys, but glad to hear that much in, confidence in you and investment in you and getting you to stay. II think, Oh, I think we, how do I put this? I think we've trusted our administration in the past, but we don't always, We're Drexel, there's not a bunch of media, there's not microphones getting stuck in people's faces.
What are your thoughts on this coach or that coach and, but it's good to hear they've certainly made the right decisions keeping you where you are and we're very lucky that, that you've stayed put, but also reassuring to hear there aren't, there is some, man, we're sitting there like, why wouldn't I would ask that after almost every season.
Coach Mallon: Like, why isn't somebody poaching our coaches? And, so you, I'm glad they're not total idiots, but then really glad too that you've made the investment in staying put. So we're very lucky. Yeah, I'd like to stay here for a while. that's my goal, to be here and, be part of this. This continued rise in our program, so I'm excited about it.
Nate H: and I'm just gonna, Cause you talked about coach and I wanna shut up cuz I'm gonna let the other guys talk a little bit and you guys chime in like we talked about. I was worried about that going in. I was like, I wanna make sure we all got a chance to talk and everything. But, but as far as Coach Dylan goes, I guess two questions I've had.
One is, and so on two sides of the coin, what do you learn from her that you really take forward? but then were there also things like sitting next to her on the bench for all those years where you're like, Man, once I'm in charge, I would do this. anything like that at all.
it's funny because everyone's like, What are you gonna change? And I I'm not gonna, like, why would I change too much? Because we've been pretty successful in what we've been doing. But I think,the one thing that was great about working for Denise is she allowed me to do pretty much everything but stand on the sideline.
So I think behind the scenes I was able to do so many things and really take charge with that. And I think, again, I think we, I was always known for my defense and really she was like the offensive of mine, and I was the defensive. And that's one thing we've. Extremely well in my time there.
Coach Mallon: I think that's one of the reasons, we've won championships and you hear that all the time and you win your offense brings, excitement, but your defense is what wins games and then your, those things are really important. So I always feel like you can always, if you play defense, you always have a chance of winning a game, even if you shoot poorly.
And I think that's one thing, Denise always let me take the res with, so it was something I did, when you talk about things that maybe were a little bit different, I think, its funny cuz I was thinking about that question that, that idea of what has really changed, I think our transition maybe we up and down a little more, but I say that I think we transitioned, I had a little more freedom with letting them do some things on their own.
Hannah and Key would say, Hey, you just let us go sometimes. And I feel like sometimes they just needed that. It's almost like you need to let them loose and do things and, but understand, we were always prepared for any situation we were gonna. The prep before the games, we were gonna be ready.
Coach Mallon: So if it was a possession game or one second game and we had to run a play, they were gonna be prepared for that and they were gonna know exactly what we had to do. And I feel like that was one thing I wouldn't say Denise didn't do that, but I also look at the type of players we had. I think it's changed depending on the players we had, so like sometimes we didn't have quite, a team that was as fast, so it was a little bit different.
Bailey Greenberg wasn't really a transition person, but she was very efficient. so I think it does change, but I learned a lot from her. I don't know if I changed too much. people say I'm different and I guess I don't really notice what the difference is, But I'm like, Oh, okay. I guess I am, I don't think I yell as much on the sideline I keep, or maybe people didn't see cause I had a mask on the first two years.
Nate H: But, yeah, is there a different type of replay you've tried to recruit or do you follow her mold with that too?
Coach Mallon: Yeah, I think I, I say a little bit of the same mold. I think we know over the years after coaching for so long, you've tried some, sometimes you try different things and you're like, Okay, that's not really works here. And you get your niche. And I think we've, we really definitely found our niche with the local players.
We, there's a organization, the comments, the Philadelphia comics, and I'd say six of our players are from that organization. And, those players have been successful in our program. So I'm like, why would I change recruiting those type of athletes? Now, not every player on our team is gonna be from that program, but, when you look at the success we've had Inny Hill, Bailey, Greenberg, Holly Maan, Meg Creon, Rachel Pearson, know, these comments, like the list goes on, currently, Mar Hendrickson, Kate Connolly, so head of Satin.
So like these players now, they're not our whole team, but they definitely make a mix of it. So I think that's something. We continue to do, and I know I'm gonna continue those type of players, I'm gonna continue to, because they know the game. the way the organiza organization runs things.
They really do a nice job telling them things they're gonna hear once they get to college. And I think that's really, especially these days, that's even more helpful. So whatever I say they probably heard. I even if, they didn't do at the time, they're gonna hear it again. So they're more prepared, I think, when they get to college for what we're asking them to do.
And I'd say from a different kind of player, I think it's a little bit different. I definitely think,I, the type of players have been, even the ones we have coming in, the ones we have, I think they're very similar. I think one of our freshman year is very similar to a Bailey Greenberg.
So I'm like, why would I not get that? Bailey Greenberg is pretty good. So I'm like, know, you look at the type of players
Nate H: Which one was that? Is it, is it from, I know you have a player from Northeastern pa
Coach Mallon: Yes, Kylie Lave. Yeah. Yeah. She's like a six two. She's, we call her like Bailey Greenberg 2.0. You see her and you're like, this looks like Bailey. and it's fun because you're like, the potentials there, to do these things. you definitely do, You try to mix it up and find those players, but you also realize that in what you do,you, I'm sure you guys know about the transfer portal and the things, that go on with that now, and that's changed the landscape.
But for us, we, we were, last year one of 30 teams in the nation had nobody transfer. And I think that's important to me because as I said earlier, I think it, the only thing that, the thing that players get most upset about probably is playing time. know? So it's not their experience and I think we give 'em a really great experience overall and.
So I feel like the type of, there are, there's definitely a certain type of student athlete you're looking to bring in. they have a lot of success off the court too. So again, that's not for everybody. Not everybody has that same, plan moving forward. So I'm really like, I think that will change, but at the same time, I think that we've been successful, this type of players we've been getting.
we're always looking for the next, when we started at Drexel, it was like, we need to get a player better than this player and then next year we need to get someone a little bit better every year. And I think we were able to do that. I think Gabby really Virginia, set the tone, once Gabby came in, we had this player who was able to do like a multiplayer, wasn't just one thing she could do.
Coach Mallon: And I think that really brought in, if we can get one or two players like that and then surround them with some role players, I think that works.
Nate H: Yeah, I've enjoyed and I think it couldn't have worked out better with, Coach Dylan being successful there and then you've continued success there. It's given me another team to root for cuz I, I mean I never liked Villanova growing up, but we had to respect them certainly on the men's side.
And then, I knew very little about Harry Preta and but then with, to a vanilla or vanilla Villanova women's game last year for the first time ever. And I'm trying to remember who they. It's like a Friday night. It went to overtime. Really great game. it was Postgre autograph night.
the kids had a great time actually before this I went on, cuz they play a Yukon at home. I think it's a Saturday. And I don't, they're doing the whole, you have to buy a season ticket package before you can get individual games. But never would've crossed my mind. They go to Villanova women's game and I'm in on that program too.
Coach Mallon: And by the way, you can watch it on flow sports. So it's not just sprint car racing. You can watch Big East women's basketball on flow sports. There you go. And I, like I said, I feel like I was at, I was recruited at Villanova, that was my final school. I dunno if you guys, So when I was looking at schools, it was Richmond Villanova. So those are like my two schools. And Harry Preta was the head coach at Villanova, and then one of his former players, Stephanie Galey, was the coach at Richmond.
So it really was, I end up being coached by somebody who really had so many of the same philosophies that Harry Perretta had. So it's funny how, he continued to influence, all of us. and then I worked with Denise who played for him. So it's really, now he shows up in the gym, I'll talk around.
He'll just be sitting there. He's Hey. He goes, I hope you don't think I'm trying to tell you what to do. I'm like, Harry, you can tell me whatever you want. I'll listen to you, or I won't, but you can just gimme your, But he's great because he just loves the game, He loves, he's retired now.
He flips around to Denise's practice. He's everywhere, so we laugh. but he's definitely a unique, person. Just great, he's been great for the game and obviously great to us as a mentor, so I'll take any advice. I'll take it. I might not follow it, but I'll take whatever you have to offer.
So I'll show up and list for a bit like I'm calling the W I P, but you guys gonna take away as far as how we've sustained success. Go for it.
Bill M: I just got one follow up question, Anthony, what was the biggest, adjustment you had to make jumping from, assistant to the head?
Coach Mallon: It's a great question. I think, being responsible for everything and then managing, so it's, it, it was managing a staff and onboarding new people and hoping that you brought the right kind of people in to, that fit in your program and your culture.
And I think it brings a whole different level of responsibility that you don't really think about, on top. Making all the decisions and knowing that you'll be responsible for each decision. And, I think that was like, I'd been able to do a lot of that. I think the one thing I was able, at least to give myself a little bit of grace with it and be like, All right, you're not gonna make every right decision or every right call, but you're gonna be in a place to, handle whatever store in your way.
So I think that was probably the biggest adjustment, managing pretty much everything. including, those game day decisions. when you make the call and you make the, I think I always took every loss we had as an associate head coach. I think I was in just as much pain as the head coach, but at the same time, the responsibility goes on your shoulders, right?
So everything that happens you really have to take care of. And I think that's probably, that was probably the biggest adjustment.
Anthony: So building off, Amy,you brought up the transfer portal and of course this ni era, this wild west new frontier situation. And it's seemed for the most part that retention of. College, student athletes at Drexel has always been one of its calling cards, even in comparison to the men's team, where at times we would be worried about when's the shoe gonna drop?
When is this player that just had a great season gonna inevitably go for what they see as greener pastures? But for the women, it's always, Oh wow, Hannah's coming back for a fifth year. or, Oh my gosh, Khan's coming back, and Mars coming back. And it's just, Do you think that's some,I, What is it about the program?
I would say that really fosters that mindset within the players. I'm sure there's some of it that is on the players themselves, but what is it about the program that just makes people wanna.
Coach Mallon: Yeah, I think it's the people, and you say that, but I think it's, I think they know we, how much we care about them, and I think it's, I think a perfect example of the type of players we have when you're best player in Bailey Greenberg. So in, in the 19 2000, 1920 season, we win the regular season title at Eon for the ca, quarter final with their number one C.
We're getting ready to play Wilmington. And literally 30 seconds before you're gonna play, you get taken off the court cuz of Covid, And it's you don't realize this time, this is the last time you're ever gonna see this kid play, that happened to everybody. So it's not something that didn't happen to everybody.
And you leave, we get on a bus, we come home and no one sees each other for six months. And in, in that timeframe, Denise transitions to Villanova. I transitioned into the head job and, so much. But I say all that because fast forward. The CA championship for 2021 and it's Covid. we're down at Elon again and now in the championship game.
And who's up in the Sands? Bailey Greenberg, who come down with Kate Conley's family. And when we win and that, again, we're not allowed to hug anybody, just our team we're like in that little bubble. But when we walk out to get on the bus, Bayla Greenberg's standing there and she's crying and she's it was all about the team, and about seeing them finish something, she started as a player.
So I feel like that epitomizes like what our program's about, if you're best player, all season long, just wanted to see this team be successful and she wasn't bitter about, Hey, I never got to play. I didn't get to do this, I didn't get to play in this game. And I think that kind of is what we're about.
And I feel like that's why Hannah Ni Hill came back cuz she, Hannah Ni Hill, even. At a time, we win the championship. She's this defensive player of the year, first team, all these things. And she really, Dean Dollars Award, she pretty much got every award you could get as a player.
And every accomplishment, had won, two regular season titles, a conference, So when she talked about coming back, she's I should just finish, I did all this and, and I said to Hannah, I said, But your competitor. And I said, That's one thing I know about you, you will compete all your life.
And I go, The worst case scenario, you come back, we don't win. I said, But I'm pretty sure if you come back, we're gonna definitely win more than we're gonna lose, which we obviously did last year. And,historical wins for a season. and she led us all the way. And that part was just fun to see someone just come back and compete.
And I think that's what you're getting. I'm not gonna lie, but Keanna, there was definitely feelers out there. I think people were definitely,she was contacted by people, people that want her. and I, I wouldn't say I was nervous. I'd say more I'll understand if that's something she wants to do, I'll support it.
she's been here and she's been successful. But, she said that, she said she, I think somebody had asked her that and maybe it was another player, not in our program. And she said, Why would I leave here? They actually care about me. They've made me the best player I can be, so why would I leave here?
I have this experience. And, she's a competitor too. And I think, she's coming back to prove, she can continue to be successful at this level and lead a team in a different way. and I think she has the ability to do that. Just, just today she's named Preseason Player of the Year, which is no surprise to me, But, I'm hoping that's something that becomes, in the future, that I think if she does all those little things that she can be that.
Coach Mallon: But I think she's an example of that. And Mar Hendrickson, I feel like they're just, and they're great people and Why wouldn't I want Omar Hendrickson if she wants to come back for another year as a leader in our program? Because she's, she epitomizes like a Drexel player, gritty, hard nose.
She tears at acl, comes back, has a great, leads her team again. Last year she came from an ECL tear back on the floor in the best condition I've ever seen any athlete in my 30 years after an injury. she comes in and I was like, That kid tore ACL and she's playing more minutes than kids who have been healthy, So it's pretty amazing. But I think it is the experience. So I think, if I say that, I think it's the people we surround ourselves with. I think it's the team and I think our culture and what we're about,
Anthony: And this is a, semi offshoot to the same question, so many of your former players, even going back to the Denise days, have stuck around and gotten on staff. Of course, Stacy, of course, but also, more recently we have Kayla now, Tessa, Kayla Bacon, Tesa, Bruer sticking around.
And, we've had others,over the course of the last couple years. is it, go back to that same thing, just the culture and not wanting to give it up quite yet and things like that.
Coach Mallon: I think it is, I think there's a passion for the program. like Kelsey Li who just most recently was on staff and she was part of a regular season, team that played in, two title games. And Mike Hal Bagger, who was our dobo, he was our manager when we won the 2013. W and I teach, Chip, he was a manager on our team, went to work, he was working at Penn and Princeton and came back as our dobo.
And you talk about passion for a program and continuing to see, everyone be successful. it's it's always about the people and not themselves. And I think that's what you're, what and I think we've had, Meg Creighton was on staff. so you're right. Taylor Wooten, who was obviously a big part of our 2013 championship team.
There's something about being part of that is special. And I think you see it now, alumni games. We have events, even alums that come back and wanna be at practice. I, I just hired Bell Clans as my, recruiting coordinator this year. And Bell was the head coach at Dartmouth for the last eight years.
She's been in the basketball world or 20 years. And she said to me the other day, and you, I guess you would take this for granted cuz you don't realize it. She goes, Amy, she goes, I've only been here what since June. The alums that come back and just wanna be around at practice, they wanna be part of practice, they wanna be around.
She goes, I haven't seen that anywhere I've ever been. She goes, they just, they come back and they wanna be around it. And I think you do, like Aubrey Brown's at practice or she's having talks with players about things and helping them through things. So it's, it is pretty cool. Cause you, I think you, you just feel like it's part of our culture so you don't realize it's happening.
And most recently, yes, Caleb Bacon and Tessa Brer, I'm so excited to have them on staff because again, they're just passionate about the team, about the program. Tessa in one year, she have, she had a very successful career at Bucknell, but she also had a very successful career in one year at Drexel and impacted the program.
And, you're gonna see her continue doing that in her role. And I think that just goes to show that she just said she was, I had a great experience. Like I wanna be part of this and continue to do more. So I'm trying to find more eligibility for her. But that didn't happen. I thought maybe I could find another.
There somewhere. There's so many waivers. Can't we find one for her? But, anyway, so yeah,I do agree with you. I think it's part of who we are in the culture of the program.
Anthony: You brought up Keana being the preseason player of the year, which is obviously a tremendous honor. And of course the team itself picked the finish first, which is definitely some respect given, I guess thoughts on the pole,I was, a little surprised to see Charleston as high as they were. again, don't have as much insight information as you do certainly, but, it's a couple new members this year, Stony Brook, Monmouth, et cetera.
any thoughts on the release media releases?
Coach Mallon: Yeah. I think that the release just goes to show the respect I think our league has for our program. And I do think, when you have, you've often seen, especially you, and I'm gonna say this on the women's side, the team that. The player of the year or potential player of the year is often one of the best teams in the you look at the teams traditionally who have won and been the position, even Gabby when we won, the Delaware with D Don, I feel like DLA Don's kind of the whole other level in some ways, with how that, played out. But you see that in our league, So I think that's something when you have a player like Ashana, she's capable and you saw her, she's capable of winning a championship, back to back 30 point performances the way she's been able to perform. So I think the respect that teams have for us and, the coaches and probably the new coaches too, I think that's a reason for that ranking.
I do, as a coach, you just know the best thing about something like that happening. I, I say it's about the attorneys and the respect they have for them, but it's also about the respect for the program. So all the ones before them that have established this foundation and.
And I said this earlier,it's just a reminder. We have a lot of work to do, so you get picked us, so we have a target on our back. So we have a lot more work to do, our staff, our players. That said, But I do think with the new teams, Charleston is a team who, definitely had a great year last year.
A lot of new faces, but they have one, a better guard that one of the best guards in the league on their team, who is returning. So I think it's hard because a lot of the other teams, there's new teams to the league that I think are gonna continue. You're gonna continue to hear more about, I think Stony Brook being one of the ones who had a lot of success last year in their league.
And I think they're a team to look out for, but there's a lot of changes. And back to the transfer portal, what I do know is a lot of those teams, like TAs and Delaware, had a lot of people leave, a lot of their players, they're like all new faces. So you're looking at these teams when I'm looking at the rosters and I'm like, I don't.
It's like you don't know anybody. They're all like new people. So I think that's part of the reason too. You see a lot of these teams don't have people back. I would think Tasn would've been a team that, would've had a lot of people back, but they had a lot of people leave with the coaching change and the portal.
So yeah, it's gonna, it's a little bit of a, it's a little bit a mystery. I think I know what we have and what we're capable of. and I think the other coaches know that as well. within the league we're gonna see, I really think you're gonna see some teams that surprise you a little bit that you're not sure.
Cuz it is so different this year. I'm hoping they can't figure out how to guard us in a year.
Anthony: Speaking of surprises, for as long as I've been following and coming to women's games 15 years now, maybe going on 16, you have your players that day, one starter. You can see that they're gonna be a star. You're making Hannah and NY Hills, et cetera, from just from day one. They're freshman, they're starting.
Here comes the next four, four years, or in some cases five, but there's always seems to be that one player who may be a little bit of a late bloomer starts a little slow. They're on the bench, you see them, they're there, they're on the team, and then their junior year, their senior year, they seemingly come outta nowhere.
The example I always like to give is Tori Te off, where she was there and then all of a sudden it was like, Wow, she's really contributing, like in very meaningful ways. Couple, Nicki Metzel was another one. I think that kind of came into her own, and these players become very important to the team.
Is there anybody on the team in that kind of more veteran upperclassman role that you see as a breakout candidate for this?
Coach Mallon: I do, I think, Jasmine Valentine and she had, she definitely had such, impactful minutes for us last year, as a sophomore. and you could see it coming. And I think you're gonna see, she, she was, she was picked newcomer or key performer of the year from the city six.
when they talk about players, she is someone, people are looking, I'm looking for that from her. I do think she's doing that. you're seeing that consistency in practice every day. And I think that's what happens. I think we have these players. like you said, the ones that right from the beginning, you're like, Right here they go.
Coach Mallon: And then you have the ones, and that's what I think, that's what makes them, breaks their season. When you have that one player, it's the Sarah Woods who didn't, she was back there. Back there. And then you have that great, the 2018 year we win the regular season title, we lost Meg cre just, we lost 3000 points scores.
And I'm like, I don't know. I hope you've finished 500 this year, in your head because you just lost all this. And then Kelsey Li and Meek and Sarah Woods somehow lead this team to a, it's like that will, to just prove that you can do it and they did it. And I feel like that's, that's a little bit of this team to me this year.
Cause I feel like we lost a lot last year. But we do have Keana in, in Mara. So there's a piece, those are like, you have these like fifth years and you have a lot of, people that's what you're looking for. who's that next person that's gonna step up and make the difference. And I think Jasmine Valentine, I think head of Satin also falls in that area.
She, I don't think she's as much of a. had to, step back a little bit last year with Tess Ruger coming in as a grad transfer. That was, average, a double. But I think HEA and Jasmine, you're really gonna see step up in those roles this year for us, and I'm excited to see them, grow.
and I hope bloom in our culture, in our program. And what we do,
Anthony: What can you tell us about some of the, the freshmen, that are coming in that we could look forward to? there's a few of them.
Coach Mallon: we do, we have four freshmen,we have Jayla McNeil, who's from Maryland, who gives you a little bit of that, scoring,three powerful, like three type player aggressive defender, which I'm really excited about her. And then, we have Jenny Martin from the Boston area, so she's a shooter.
She's five 11. deep can shoot the three deep. I'm excited about those two and the future for them. And then Grace O'Neal, who is Meg Crain's cousin. you look at Grace and she's that, that Drexel point guard, she's gritty, she's conditioned, she plays hard, she's, up and down the floor at every end.
And I'm really excited because, Grace started coming to our games when she was about nine, watching her cousin play. I have pictures of her in the locker room when we won the W N I T Championship. she's doing flips on the floor. So I laugh that now she's in our, in our program and she epitomizes like our point guard.
So I'm excited. I definitely think you're gonna see, impact minutes from her, from the very beginning. And then Kylie Lavell, who I mentioned earlier to me, has that potential to be, she's a score. She's a six two, score can score from the outside, inside and can rebound. So I'm excited about what she's bringing, to the program as well.
So they're really a skilled and versatile class. So I'm excited about them. And we brought them in really thinking. We were gonna be young this year thinking that Keanna Washington and Mark Henderson would not be here. But with Covid we have them back for of the year. again, I'm excited about see how this group builds together.
Cause I think, I still think we have a lot to do. Obviously we have a foundation with some of the attorneys, but I think building with the young ones, when we get there, I'm really excited to see what this team can do.
Anthony: There's last year's team was extremely veteran. I think the starting five was entirely seniors and grad students. Definitely a very experienced bunch. and at least to the, out to US fans. it seemed as though you ran a bit of a shorter bench last year,relying on those for a good reason.
Obviously it was an incredibly successful team. do you see it a little bit deeper in terms of rotations this year? or with sticking with a core of six or seven?
Coach Mallon: Right now. I think the way I look at it, it will be deeper. I just think for that reason alone, you said the experience, I think last year to have, we had three fifth year players, sixth year in more island. And I think to have that's unusual, and they really knew how to, I think one of the things about being experienced is you know how to be.
With your time on the floor and you can play that 30 to over 30 minutes a game and be really efficient in it. I, and I think they were able to do that and they did it so well that did shorten up the rotation. I think this year we're gonna have to rely on the versatility of each game's gonna be different, and I think you're gonna see different players depending on who we're playing and what we need on the floor.
I think we know what Keana and Firm and Mara Hendrickson bring. I say firm, we call her firm, her middle name's Furman. So I, every time we hear Mara i's who's that? We call her the FURminator. But firm. those two, you know what you're getting and I think they're capable of playing over 30 minutes a game, but after that, I think it's gonna be a rotation.
I think we're gonna have to figure out, I expect it to be because of the versatility in the type of game. So I'd like to see us have a deeper bench because I think we're gonna need it to be successful consistently. I guess that's still tbd, , but I see that happening, from what I'm experiencing right now with the group.
Anthony: You were talking a little bit earlier about how, when Denise was there, you were the defensive specialist. from an outsider's perspective, our team has always been, that zone,is always a staple of the team defense. and at least to me as an observer last year and to a lesser extent, the year before, it seemed as though there was more man mixed in than I'd seen in the past.
Am I just completely wrong on that or is that something that I was actually picking up on?
Coach Mallon: I'd say it, it probably looked like we were playing more man because of the, cuz it had a nice NY Hill's ability to be able to pick people up for court. But the pressure on, So a lot of times it looked like we were in man, but we fell back to his own. But she was able to just because of our quickness.
and her ability to guard somebody full court for a 40, for 40 minutes of a game, she would just pick 'em up and we would just do a tandem. So it looked like you were in man, but you actually fell back to zone. So it was a matchup. So it really, a lot of times it confused people cuz they didn't know if we were in a man or zone.
But I'd say we still probably did. We mixed it up. a lot of times it'll be like on a make, we're in that on a mis for in man. So we, it would change and it would change. I think one thing you saw us do a lot more, especially with last year's group with Hannah on the floor was press.
and we have, we had a press where, we, there were games when we played Elon. We were down 12 points and we single handed came back because of our full court press. we were stealing going back and forth, so we definitely change it. So when we're things aren't going, we're you're gonna see us press and try to pick up some quick buckets that way.
Coach Mallon: And Hannah, the one thing about Hannah Will Miss is her ability to impact the floor on both ends at a high level. She did that at a level. I've never coached somebody who's done that. The way she did it. So that's gonna be an adjustment for this year, cuz that's, as I said, to Key, that's the, those adjustments you have to make for Key and Mara, Hannah's always been there, so they have to figure out how to play without her, And I said that's gonna be part of our adjustment this year is you can, But she's always been there, she's always been, she's doing this, so you guys gotta make up for that in a different way.
You don't have to be Hannah. But, we have to find a way to get that same edge. We have defensively, in what we do and we will stick to the zone. we'll that's always been our staple, but it will change, it might be, we're bigger on the floor this year, so a little bit of a different look when we are on Man to Man, with, you're switching everything big to big and there's so many things, strategies that go into it.
but I feel like one of the things we've done defensively, we've always been able to. Take a team that wants to go fast and slow them down, that's the full court zone and just try to slow up, how quickly they get shots. And then if it's a team that likes to, know, if it's a team that likes to slow down, we try to speed 'em up and that's where you see us press and do some more of the trapping and things on the floor.
Coach Mallon: So we really strategically try to make them uncomfortable in what they're doing on the floor if we can, and make them take, tough contested shots and keep them to one. I think our, not weakness, but one of the things we continue to have to find this year, it's gonna be tough for us, is rebounding.
Because we had great rebound in Tessa Burglar, Mariah Leonard, and even Hannah I. Hill, she was a great rebounding guard. So as I said to this team, that's something we're gonna have to find a way to make up, and that's part of the learning curve with new teams, finding a way to do.
Bill M: With all the success that the program's had, what are the next steps, that you can, the next heights that you can take the program to since, if the team's not quite as successful, it's a lot easier to set goals, but since we've been so successful, what do you see as the next, next steps?
know, I think, obviously continuing to put yourself in a position to be in postseason, to do that, the amount of times we've been able to do, I don't think you can't do it, but when you look back, I was thinking that, you have a player like Hannah Knight Hill, and I'm like, Wow.
Coach Mallon: She was, I don't think any player's ever done when she's done in her career and she's played in four title games, one,two regular season titles, a tournament title post-season every year. I'm like, Wow, how do you top that? And that's just in the last five. With, a player like that leading away, and I think each team is new, so I think there is a challenge and just, can you do that again?
Can you put yourselves in position? And, but I do feel, your goal is to make the post-season runs. I was obviously disappointed we didn't, win that last game and the tournament and put yourselves in position to go to the NCAA's last year. So that's disappointing. So that's always a goal, when you go into your season, I think it's gonna be even tougher now with more teams in our league, so you're putting yourself in position that you have to, win that tournament.
when you have a, you really have to challenge yourself with your schedule. So I think what we're doing outta conference too, moving forward's, gonna have to be something we, we think about. But, I'd like to see us make deeper runs in post-season. Get to post-season again, and make deeper runs and do that.
Coach Mallon: In the NCAA tournament, obviously winning that first game, or if it's in the W N I T, which I think, you see this tournament and those teams like a Seaton Hall who we lost to, went on to, losing the championships. So you're playing great teams at a high level. So continue to do that.
And what we said earlier and what we mentioned earlier is hopefully get people to come out, see these teams play. Like I think last year's team was a perfect team to, you want to roof for you, watch them play. And they were just fun to watch, everything about them and how they played was so fun to be part and to coach.
And, and I said that all year long, this team, I'd love to see more exposure, especially for these players and what they do on the floor. So all around, I'd like to see a little more of all that, but continue, to stay on where we are and have those longer runs and.
from our podcast with Greg, I've, Greg Cusick, I've been much more positive on the direction of, getting people into the DAC. I think he's, got the right ideas at least. And, hopefully we'll see those results, at both the men's and women's games. get the DAC Pack, cuz it's a really fun place to watch a game.
when the crowd is good in there,you're on top of it and it's just, it's one of the best places in my.
Coach Mallon: now, I the tournament championship game, you go to that game and it was like a great, the whole, and we did a great job, I think running the tournament. we did a great job with the promotions and I think that just goes a show when we put the time into that.
Marketing, marketing and really having a game day feel. it's such a great place to play and a great place that I think we can, I'm excited about where we're going with that and I think we're moving the right direction. I think there's so many different things we can do and I think we're continue to look at, but I'm excited to work with Greg and his staff and do whatever we can do on our end to, to continue, to get, people in the stands and, get the attention that the student athletes, I think, deserve these teams.
Cuz I think they, we do have great potential. And you said the DAC Pack, I mean they make those games, so I said that really when our players and the DAC Pack is there and the energy, it's just that, it's an awesome feeling to be part of that.
Where does Keith fall in line with some of the other. Are great Drexel basketball players. As far as we've mentioned a bunch of names here. We've also got Damian Lee who had a game winning shot last night for, for the Phoenix Sun. So where would you put her in those ranks?
or should we wait until her, career's over to make those judgments?
I think it's, I think she's right up there. I look at her and Hannah NY Hills, the best back court that Drexel's ever had, and when you talk about two guards who impacted the game in the program, they're phenomenal. And I think together, I'm gonna miss seeing them play together because it was so fun just seeing how well they work together.
Coach Mallon: But I think,when you talk about Keanna Washington and what she did, obviously in the championship run in 21, the back to back 30 point games no other. I think other than Elena, Deon has had that type of performance, in a tournament and really, that I think is historical, like I think for that piece of it as far as an individual, but just you look at some of the games even last year, score 40 points, and overtime and bring us single handly bring us back to be Bucknell at home down 18.
she scored I think 18 points in seven minutes. It was unbelievable. So you see the dyna, how she played and her ability to do certain things. And I say that she's the gamer cause I feel that true. I know one thing about you, you're a gamer. Like you're gonna take, you're gonna take control and you're gonna take, that's the conversation we had.
Coach Mallon: You were gonna be okay with taking that shot, make it or miss, but you're gonna take it. And, I think she'll be known for that. that piece of it, that fire she had. And I think she'll go down as one of the best players to, to play in our program. I think along with the ones we've mentioned before, And I say that not just because of how she performs individually, but how she's led teams, she's led us to championships and regular season titles and I think that really is the sign of a great player, someone that can do all those things.
And you look at off the court to be a scholar athlete, the CA scholar athlete as well. that's pretty impressive.
Nate H: So I, I was always, I think the, my favorite part about watching the Drexel games and we played a lot of close games because, and I'm glad I was looking at my foot and it was 44 minutes into this, more or less that we mentioned we were preseason number one because as it's good in a sense, but now the target's on your back.
and I'm sure all last year the target was on your. So you always were playing in close games. we get down in the end and I just, they'd show you and you just see, you take that second to and I'd say to my, my, my wife and kids, I'm like, Coach Mallon's reaching into a bag of tricks and you just, you knew that something good was coming.
Nate H: Like what's your approach in those situations? you just take a, you exhale for a second, do you talk to your assistants? Ihow do you prepare for those kind of situations?
Coach Mallon: I think you said,I definitely exhale for a second. I take it in because I feel like those are the moments. one thing I said to last year's team, and one of my philosophies as a coach is, we had a hashtag. It was like, no doubt, I said, You're never gonna be a position where. You're gonna question what, what needs to be done on the floor?
you're gonna be prepared. So if it's whatever play we run and we miss a shot, we execute and we do what we need to do. And I think, I want my players to feel that calm on the floor in those situations. And I feel like they were willing to step up and, do those things. And I feel like for me, that's probably part of my demeanor.
I'm the coach. Yeah. I wake up and I'll have a dream about some play and Hannah and NY Hill would crack up cuz I go, Hannah, I practice. I like, let's run this play. I just thought about this. And she loves it. She's Tell me about it. She goes, Did you have a dream about it? I go, Yeah. And those are the things that you think about.
Coach Mallon: And then when you do it and at works, you're like, Oh my gosh, that was awesome. you see someone do it and you need the players. You can't, you can think these things, but you need to know how these players are gonna work and what you do. So I think that's the fun part about coaching.
it's also the killer. you play last year and you have a great year and you don't win that one game and you feel like, gosh, the, you're 28 and five, and you put yourself in this position. So that's what keeps you going, that's what keeps you like the heartbreak of that and the heartbreaks.
Coach Mallon: Not for me, it's for the players. I want everything I want them to have every year, the best year they can have. So I'm gonna do my best always to create that circumstance. But, I think it's great when you can coach a team, and say at the end, it's still upsetting when you lose. But you are never a disappointment to coach a group like that, to show up every day and do that.
I think that's the fun part about coaching. And so for me, that's the way I look at it. I feel like I have this rapport that those moments I am, I'm like, all right, this is what we need to do and I'm gonna, see if this works. And you train yourself. I think like anything, it's not something, it just happens.
I think it's something you've been doing for so long. So there's a sense in some ways, but as we know, sometimes it goes in, sometimes it doesn't. But last year we really had a lot of situations that I think we were prepared for and that's why I said the hashtag was no doubt. this year hashtag is, eat, sleep, build, repeat.
Cuz I feel like for us, . and you'll see that's something we've started with. I said, we have a foundation. I brought our group in. I said, We have a foundation. It's been there, It's our culture. It's what we're about. But this program, this team has to build on that. nothing's gonna be given, We're gonna start all over.
we have the foundation with the fraternities, but we got work to do. And I think they believe in those, we have these, things when we start the season. I think the team really buys into it, and I think that's why I'm able to do what I do.
Nate H: Sounds like another promotion with a t-shirt night, but then a
Coach Mallon: Yep.
Same with FURminator. I like that one too. is that a good one? I know she.
Nate H: yeah. But, and again, and youjust one last plug for getting people out to the women's games, that's what I've always enjoyed and Anthony was touching on the different defenses and things.
not that it doesn't happen in the men's game, compared you and I was, all I keep thinking about is Kyle Schwarber great. He hit the, broke the exit velocity record or the longest home run in Peco Park history. But how about, then they show the exit velocity of, all the ground ball base hits that, we're in that for run inning that the Philly courts.
Nate H: So in these days we get fascinated on dunks and not that in the women's game, you don't see, IKeshawn in Washington, some of the stuff she does is incredible. but you guys play basketball, you don't play dunking or whatever you wanna call it. So another reason to come out and watch your team, cuz they're fun to watch for a lot of reasons.
Coach Mallon: thank you guys. I appreciate that. Yeah. I get excited for the way they play and what they do. And I really appreciate your support, and you guys being there and just this time tonight, cause I think it means a lot and it's back to just, I think when we do things like this, I think it's so great.
Cause I think the team just sees the support that we get from, everybody. And especially like you guys, being able to do this, I think makes all the difference in the world.
Nate H: Yeah. And hopefully there, you may have an Archbishop Wood recruit potentially who smoked Mechanicsburg where I live, so maybe she dials up Amy Mallon. And again, and the thing you said about playing time was, I you really like that of Yeah. If the worst thing you do with this program is, or the worst thing you complain about is playing time.
You've done your job. And that's a great message for the team and everyone, no matter what you do,
Anthony: And then hopefully,Get some more people in there. and some of us that might be particularly passionate, won't get removed. they've happened
that came up? I don't know. I think it came up in one of our, it might have been the head coaches, when we had the officiating,just talking about that dynamic. But that's, Yeah. Hey, I'm, I'm all about passion. I love like a player. I love, I, I'd much rather have someone with a lot of passion.
Coach Mallon: I can tone down like a Hannah NY Hill, You just love it cuz you're just like, I get it. I, that's how I was as a player. Hannah, NY Hill. we talk about, I was so connected to her because I was her, that's everything about how she played, what she did. Her competitiveness was always,to an extent, maybe a point where I'm sure the league is very happy to see her go, but, I'm all about passion, someone has that towards what they do. I think, I can appreciate it, so I love the passion our fans have for our team. And, I'll take that any day.
Anthony: Definitely, shown through your relationship with Hannah too. I can still remember. Watching that championship game down at Elon. And I'm sure a photographer got a picture of her jumping into your arms, cuz I, I remember that moment. so that was,it was pretty cool to see that coach player bond.
It was, it came across, very clearly.
Coach Mallon: Yeah, that's one of my favorite. Pictures from the tournament, cuz I think it's a, a thing. she kinda, that year when I got the job, I'll say, Hannah and my other senior Kayla, the Bacon's like coach, know, Amy, whatever you need us to do. And I said, Hannah, I need you to do everything.
I need you to score. I need you to, do this. I need to play defense. She'll go, Okay. And so I think when that happened, you could probably see it in the picture and you realize it when you see it. There, there was, there's definitely a love there, for, what she was able to do and to be honest, and actually just like we said earlier, I'm having coffee with Hannah and I Hill tomorrow morning.
she wants to hear how the teams doing. She goes, I wanna see what's happening. So again, you talk about the culture of people coming back. I'm gonna meet her before practice tomorrow so we can talk about the team. She wants to hear what's going on and those relationships back to why you coach and why I've been some place for so long.
those I love that our alums come back and they wanna be part and that we have relationships that go beyond basketball as well, but they'll say, Three things. Their experience at Drexel, they love,obviously the people they meet the championships. and we always talk about when we get a chance to go on those international tours, those experiences.
Coach Mallon: But I think when they can say those things, I think we've done our job and it, we've, the experience they've been able to have and, I think that's a credit to Drexel in our athletic department and our support we've been able to have over the years.
Anthony: Good. Should we make a plug real quick? Three weeks, I believe from today. From today we're recording this, home opener against Ryder 6:00 PM right at the.
Coach Mallon: That's right. November 10th, come Pack, the DAC, we need everybody out there and I think you're gonna see lots of exciting things going on game day. we would love everybody to be part of that.
I have to figure out a way to get down there too. Yeah. So at Penn State later in the season too. That was really cool to see. That's gonna be a good one. And then I think the next day the guys played November 11th and, they're gonna honor last year's team at halftime that won the regular season title. So I'm excited for that team to be recognized at home, so it'll be nice to see that as well at the men's game the next night.
So it'll be exciting. 48 hours on campus, so we'll just tell people to sleep in the DAC.
Nate H: well, speaking of Coach Mallon, thanks for joining us and yeah, you got a busy night going to the Phillies game tomorrow,let you get outta here. But thank you very much
for taking
Coach Mallon: sleep, I'm gonna sleep in this tonight. I got the
Nate H: Yeah, I gotta, I'm driving to North Carolina and running a marathon. I'll have it on the radio so I'll be listening and I'll sleep in my Philly stuff when I'm down
Coach Mallon: That's awesome. Good luck.
and I'll be back. Yeah. Hannah NY Hill's doing the Philly one
Nate H: She'll be, She'll probably smoke me. I am too. She'll be way
Coach Mallon: Okay, I'll tell her to keep an eye out for you. , You might see her. She calls me on her runs. I'm like, Hannah, how many miles? She goes, I'm at 13. Keep talking. I'm like, All right, Hannah.
Nate H: it's a good distraction. So it was a podcast, so put it on. Listen to this when you're out running and whatnot.
Coach Mallon: I appreciate you guys. Seriously. Thanks. Thanks so much.