Alumni Corner: Mike Malin (1986-90)

Portland men's tennis head coach Aaron Gross will be reaching out to alumni of the program with a running question-and-answer feature for PortlandPilots.com throughout the summer. Coach Gross recently caught up with Mike Malin (1986-90), who graduated with a major in business computer systems from Portland. Malin collected 53 singles wins throughout his career and played the No. 1 position as a senior. He also was named the team's most inspirational player as a freshman.

Mike and wife Stephanie (also a UP grad) continue to be big supporters of Pilot Tennis. A lead donation from the Malin family allowed the University to install live camera feeds and free video streaming for all home matches prior to the 2014 spring season.

The live video provided a nice benefit for current Pilot players from out-of-region as family and friends were able to watch each home match from start-to-finish. It also aided in recruiting, allowing potential recruits to be able to watch the level of play of the team and show that their family will be able to watch them play each time the Pilots compete at the Louisiana-Pacific Tennis Center.

"There have been so many good people who have played tennis here at Portland," Gross said. "Many have also gone on to great success in professional fields, while garnering immense respect in the community. Mike Malin is at the top of the list in all of those categories. He was one of the best players on very good teams back in the late 80's and still plays some good tennis. Mike is also one of the most universally well-liked and respected guys around."

Former teammate Kevin Jones on Malin:

"Mike was a freshman when I was a senior and we played No. 1 doubles and roomed together in the dorms. I kind of felt like a big brother to Mike. He came in a little raw, but very athletic, willing to work hard and had a positive attitude both on and off the court. What has always been great about Mike is that he is game to do – or try to be a part of – just about anything. Besides working hard at practice and the morning workouts I used to run, "Macka" was always up for all the other crazy stuff we did: intramural football, fraternity stuff, crazy Halloween trips to Ashland. We had a great time and still laugh about all the fun stuff we did."

Good friend and former teammate, Bruce Sylva:

"As a player, Mike is an intense, fierce competitor… Period. As a teammate, he always has your back both on and off the court. As a friend, he is thoughtful and generous with his support. One of the things that stands out about Mike is his work ethic. Whether it was in the classroom, on the court, the training room, work at Nike, etc. Mike's work ethic is to be desired. It is nice to have a friend at your side for all these years."

Here is an update from Mike Malin…

What would you like people to know about your family at this point in your life?

Married for 23 years to Stephanie (UP class of '91) and we have two daughters: Hailey (18) and Hannah (15).  



What is your current occupation?

Vice President of IT: Product & Merchandising at Nike.


What is your fondest tennis memory at UP?

The chance to play No. 1 doubles as a freshman. Played with senior Kevin Jones and I remember being driven to practice harder so that I would not let him and the team down.   

Kevin is a big reason I attended UP. He helped me out once when I was stuck without housing at a Junior Tournament in Yakima, Wash. He made a very positive impression on me and when I ran into him a few years later on a recruiting trip it helped push me to become a Pilot. I bet I've never told Kevin that story.  
 
 
What is your fondest memory about UP in general?


It is impossible to pick just one. When I think of the quality of people I got to know over those four years it would be hard to imagine that could have happened anywhere else. We had a ton of fun. Maybe too much sometimes, but 25 years later I wouldn't trade any of those memories.      
 
 
What do you miss most about your college tennis experience?


The chance to play tennis every day and hang with a group of guys who love the sport as much as you do.
    
 
If you could give advice to an 18-year-old entering the University of Portland as a tennis player now, what would it be?
 
Work as hard as you can on your game and explore the different options that exist today to stay fit and strong. Your four years will be gone before you know it, so don't miss one opportunity to be at your best on the court.  
 
Are there aspects of your professional life that your experiences as a Division I athlete differentiate you? Maybe give you an advantage over someone who didn't compete at that level as an athlete?
 
Yes! There is, of course, a direct connection between working hard and being successful. You will fail. How you react and adjust to that failure will determine how far and how fast you will reach your goals. Sport teaches us more about ourselves and those around us than any other opportunity. My kids are a bit tired of hearing all the life lessons they get a chance to experience through sport. Hopefully one day they will repeat it to their own kids!


Do you have a story that you can share that you and your ex-teammates still talk about and laugh when you get together?
 
There are a dozen or so stories that bring me to tears. They get funnier every year and will remain stories that we share with each other.