Kym Malone, University of Dallas, Men's Basketball

KYM MALONE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF DALLAS has been selected the SCAC Character & Community Male Student-Athlete-of-the-Week for the week ending February 3, 2013.

Malone, a 5-foot-10 sophomore guard from Richardson, Texas, has started 12 of 20 games played on the season, and boasts a .511 field-goal percentage. His .476 mark from 3-point range leads the team, as do his .833 free-throw percentage and 74 assists. Malone’s 145 points through Feb. 2 are currently fifth-best for the Crusaders.

In addition to his excellent work on the court, Malone has been a stalwart away from the hardwood, and his philanthropic efforts stem from being raised in a less than fortunate community as a child in Louisville, Ky.

“With few people coming back to help,” Malone said, “while growing up, I always told myself if I could, I would go back and help kids whom are in the same position I was in.”

When Malone attended Berkner H.S., there were a lot of opportunities to volunteer. He helped with Special Olympics, feeding the homeless and canned food drives to name a few.

In his freshman year of high school, Malone joined “Stem Senate,” a small group of students in charge of hosting dances, movie nights and study sessions. They were also actively involved in community service with local community centers and after school programs.

Malone participated in Special Olympics throughout high school, as a greeter or cheerleader.

“I have had experiences with friends with special needs siblings,” Malone said, “and seeing the impact you can have on somebody who is less fortunate is amazing.”

The education major appreciates working with children, and helping them in any way possible.

“You can have a bigger impact on a kid than you realize,” Malone said. “More often than not, the kids have a bigger impact on you than you realize. It just shows how blessed you are as a person that God provided you with health and strength that we take for granted all the time. It is our duty to give back to those who are not that lucky.”

Malone, along with his summer basketball teammates, went to Salvation Army shelters to hand out lunches.

“It always seemed to hit the team with a reality check,” Malone said, “of how lucky we were that we were not in these positions. No matter how much or how little the amount of food; it is better than nothing.”

At the University of Dallas, Malone and his teammates take part in the “Big Read” program before each season.

“This is when we go to a local community center and read a few books to a group of kids,” Malone said. “After we read, we tell the kids how to become successful and give them the chance to ask questions. We then proceed to the gym to play knockout and other fun basketball game. Seeing the kids laughing and having a great time makes it all worth it.”

Malone and his Crusader teammates made an indelible impression, from which the children have returned the favor.

“It is amazing how great a child’s memory is,” Malone said. “A few of the kids came to one of our home games. I looked up in the stands and saw a sign that said “ LET'S GO KYM!!” At first I thought it was mistake, because I did not recognize the person, but after the game the kids said they remembered me from reading to them a few months back and told me how well I played. It honestly left a great feeling in my heart; I feel as if I made an impact on someone!”