July 24, 2008

LUBBOCK, Texas - The second summer session is underway and all the Texas Tech women's basketball newcomers have arrived on campus. The final two, Tilmila Martin and Kierra Mallard, arrived the first of July to start summer school and are ready to begin their careers as Lady Raiders.

Martin, a 5-6 point guard from Bryan, Texas, played one year at Kilgore College (2005-06) and was named all-conference, before transferring to Blinn College to play the 2007-08 season. While at Blinn, Martin averaged 15.7 points and 4.1 assists and was named Most Valuable Player of Region XIV Athletic Conference. Martin, who hails from Bryan, Texas, led the Lady Buccaneers to a 26-6 record, marking the most wins in a season for Blinn College. She was recently named third team All-America by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

Mallard, who hails from Dallas, Texas, played her senior season at Frisco High School where she was named all-state, all-region and District 9-4A Offensive MVP. Mallard averaged 16.1 points and 10.2 rebounds. Prior to her time at Frisco, she played three years at Richardson-Berkner. As a junior she was a Texprep Top 50 Player of 2007 and named to the Dallas Morning News District 10-5A all-district team.

Since both Martin and Mallard have enrolled in school, they can participate in the team's summer workouts.

Q&A with Tilmila Martin and Kierra Mallard

How has your first couple of weeks of college been?

Tilmila: The walking distance is longer. The schedule and the hours are longer, but I'm adjusting well.

Kierra: It has been a big change. The workouts and time management are a lot tougher.

Tilmila: The coaching staff are really good people and I liked the system. Plus I have a lot of family down here.

Kierra: The coaching staff and the team seemed like a family.

In your short time at Tech, what has been your biggest adjustment?

Tilmila: Getting rest. There is not much time to sleep.

Kierra: Finding time to get some sleep.

What are you most looking forward to this season?

Tilmila: Winning games with my teammates and going to the Virgin Islands in November.

Kierra: I hope we win a lot of games and I'm looking forward to traveling.

Do you have any summer plans before classes start in the fall?

Tilmila: I'm going to go home and spend time with my baby.

Kierra: I'm just going to go back home and spend time with my family and friends.

Who has been the most influential person(s) in your basketball career?

Tilmila: My mom, my dad, my grandma and now my son.

Kierra: My mom and grandma.

What has been your biggest basketball accomplishment?

Tilmila: This year I was named the top JUCO player in Texas by the TABC, which I was proud of.

Kierra: Getting a scholarship to a Division I school.