Glendora, CA (Women’s Basketball) -- Former Pepperdine star and assistant coach at nearby Cal Poly Pomona, Tamara McDonald has been hired as the new Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Citrus College. McDonald was a McDonald’s High School All-American and the West Coast Conference Player of the Year for the Waves.
“This is an exciting day for the Citrus College Women’s Basketball program. From our conversations with Tamara, it is clear that she shares our commitment to excellence both on the court and in the classroom,” said Citrus College Dean of Physical Education and Athletics Jody Wise. “I believe that Tamara will develop the talents that lie within our young players, and I am excited for the young ladies that will get to play for her.”
McDonald (pictured on the left) prepped locally at Chaffey High School in Ontario where she put together a stellar high school career including the aforementioned McDonald’s High School All-American honors. Upon graduation, McDonald matriculated to Pepperdine, where she led the Waves to three NCAA appearances and one NIT appearance. McDonald was named the WCC Player of the Year in 2003 and become just the second Pepperdine player to earn the honor.
“First and foremost, I am extremely thankful to Superintendent/President Dr. Geraldine Perri and Jody Wise for this opportunity,” McDonald said. “The direction that Citrus College is headed in both academically and athletically is something that I am extremely excited about.”
Following her collegiate career, McDonald played professionally oversees in Germany for a few seasons. After her playing career came to an end, McDonald began coaching with her first stint coming at Calabasas High School where she was the Head Girls Coach. In 2006-2007, McDonald served as the associate head girl’s basketball coach at Malibu High School leading them to the CIF tournament.
In 2007, McDonald made the move to the college level at Cal Poly Pomona. McDonald spent the last three seasons with the Broncos as an assistant coach, helping lead them to their first NCAA Tournament berth in 2010 since 2005.
“Citrus has an environment that generates successful student-athletes and contributing members of society,” McDonald said. “I want to do my part to continue to pursue excellence in women's basketball just like everyone else pursues excellence in every other department on campus.”
McDonald has worked in special education with behavior modification for both the Santa Barbara and Las Virgenes school districts, and holds a bachelor’s of science degree in physical education from Pepperdine. McDonald also graduated from the NCAA Women’s Coach Academy.