TAMIU's Malika Jackson takes the next step by signing professional contract
LAREDO, Texas -- Whether filling the role of coach, athlete, friend or teammate, Texas A&M International’s Malika Jackson has made a significant impact for the Dustdevils and Laredo community. The Palmdale, California native has called Laredo, Texas and TAMIU her second home for the last four years between playing and coaching Women’s Basketball with the Dustdevils.
For the most recent two seasons (2014-15 and current), Jackson has held the role of assistant coach with her former team, pushing her players to new heights. TAMIU secured their first program victory over non-conference rival Tarleton State early in the current season. Last season, while the team was first learning how to fill the missing role of Jackson on the court, the Dustdevils to produced a 9-3 home record. They would conclude their first Jackson-less (on the court) season in fourth place of the Heartland Conference standings.
The 6 foot forward holds Texas A&M International’s lone All-American title in Women’s basketball, as well as numerous team record titles, from her 2012-13 and 2013-14 campaigns in a Dustdevils uniform. In 2013-14, Malika Jackson led the Texas A&M International Dustdevils to a program best 19-9 record and first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II national tournament.
Debuting for the Dustdevils as a junior transfer in 2012-13, Jackson was named the Heartland Conference's Newcomer of the Year after averaging 10.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. She earned All-Heartland Conference team honorable mention and the Texas A&M International Team Coaches' Award.
During her senior season, Jackson averaged 16.4 points and 9.1 rebounds per game while constructing a tremendous resume. She was named to the All-Heartland Conference first team, All-South Central Regional team, All-NCAA South Central Regional Tournament team and to the All-Heartland Conference Tournament team for her efforts on the court. She was recognized with the Texas A&M International Athletic Director's Award, named Team Most Valuable Player and placed on the Heartland Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll for academic and athletic achievement.
Women’s Basketball Head Coach Michelle Bento-Jackson recognized Jackson’s contributions to her program by saying, “She had a tremendous career at TAMIU, becoming the first All-American to ever come out of the women’s basketball program and has continued to be a big asset to our program in many ways.”
As a product of hard work, Jackson has recently signed her first professional contract with the Western Port Basketball Association in Somerville, Victoria, Australia.
“My time at TAMIU has prepared me for this opportunity to play professionally from both a competitive and a toughness standpoint,” claims Jackson. “The TAMIU coaching staff has mentored and pushed me to become a better athlete and basketball player since the day I landed in Laredo.”
Dustdevils Head Coach Michelle Bento-Jackson had accompanied Malika Jackson through the entirety of her career with TAMIU. She expressed her excitement by saying, “Malika signing a professional contract is a very special and exciting time for all of us. We are all so very proud of Malika for all of the hard work that she has put in in the last 3-4 years.” Bento-Jackson went on to mention, “She has been fully committed to becoming the best player that she can be.”
Malika Jackson will take with her a great wealth of information from her time with the Dustdevils along with her to Australia. “They taught me to work hard and have a winning mindset both on the court and in the classroom,” claims Jackson. “TAMIU will always have a special place in my heart. Not only have I grown tremendously as a person during my time here, but I have been privileged to be surrounded by great teammates and I have made irreplaceable memories. I will miss being a part of the Dustdevils program.”
Jackson will join the Western Port Basketball Association for their upcoming season in 2015-16. The club is an affiliated member of Basketball Victoria (BV) and the Basketball Victoria County Council. They participate in the Victorian Basketball League.
"The opportunity to play in Australia will help me grow even more as an individual and as a basketball player. I am looking forward to expanding my game and adapting to the international style of play. It will be my first time out of the country, so just that alone will be an experience!” says Jackson. “I've been in communication with Coach Andrew the past few months, and he has made me feel very comfortable and eager to get started. From the positive vibes I am getting from him, I am confident that my experience will be a positive one. I am looking forward to bonding with my teammates, coaches, and the Somerville community."
Bento-Jackson went on to say, “Malika has a deep passion for the game of basketball and it has always been her dream and goal to play professional basketball. I am thrilled for Malika that this opportunity has been presented to her and there is no question in my mind that she will go to Australia and make an impact to her team. We wish her the very best!”