One of Cal State Bakersfield’s most prolific women’s basketball players from 2017-19, Malayasia McHenry has enjoyed an exciting and eventful career since graduating as a `Runner. A transfer from Trinity Valley CC, McHenry joined the team prior to the 2017-18 season and enjoyed a successful junior season. CSUB went 18-14 on the way to making a WAC Championship Final while she earned All-Tournament Team honors. In 2018-19, she shot a clinical .403 clip from the field while pacing the team in rebounds (186) and sitting second with 9.0 points per game. Since she left Bakersfield nearly five years ago, Malayasia McHenry has made the All-USA Armed Forces Team and shared her life in basketball since graduating.
Where did you start your career in 2019?
I was originally in the process of becoming a Correctional Officer when COVID hit. I needed something else during and after the pandemic, so I looked around and the Army was recruiting. My brother was already enlisted, and I thought my skills would benefit me in the Army. I am currently stationed at Fort Cavacos in Texas and will be here for another three years.
How did you get involved with the Armed Forces Team?
On my off-days in the Army, I would go play open gym basketball with the other men and women. The men’s head coach saw me play and told me that I should think about applying to try out for the All-Army women’s team. Only 22 women out of the entire military branch made the team, and I was fortunate enough to earn an invitation to join last year. We regularly play against other branches of the United States military.
What has the experience been like?
We played a tournament in San Diego last year, and then went to Columbus and Atlanta in Georgia this year, playing each branch a few times. We managed to win the Silver Medal, and a committee selected the top-12 women from all branches for the Team USA Armed Forces. I managed to not only get invited to that team, but I was also team captain.
How did the international circuit go?
We had the honor of traveling to Belgium and playing united armed forces teams from other countries. I dropped 20 points in my first game and averaged double-digits throughout the tournament while helping my country to beat Germany and win the Gold Medal. The tournament was stationed on another army base, so we had pretty large crowds watching us the whole time. One of my high school teammates, Marte Grays, plays professionally in France and was able to come support me during the tournament!
What’s next for you?
I had a lot of fun at the tournament, and it’s nice to be back around the game. Now, it’s the offseason until Fall 2024, so I will stay in shape and try out again for the team next year. Hopefully I am able to make the team and capture the Gold again!
