Tamara McDonald is going into her third season as assistant coach of the LMU Lions women's basketball team. Career wise, McDonald is entering her 16th season of collegiate coaching.
Before coming to the Bluff, McDonald spent a season on the bench at University of Washington in the Pac-12 and came to LMU with over a decade of collegiate coaching experience and familiarity with the West Coast Conference.
“I am thrilled to add Tamara McDonald to our Lion family,” said Hughes. “She is a forever learner and an expert in the development of people. Her understanding of leadership and how to elevate those around her is the reason I went after Tamara. I believe she will provide a balance and perspective that this staff and program truly need. Her basketball background as a player and coach speaks for itself and I cannot wait for our Lion community to meet her.”
Prior to her season at UW, McDonald coached at Citrus College where she led the Owls to 65 wins over the course of five seasons as head coach from 2010-11 through 2014-15. Under McDonald’s supervision, 11 of her players earn spots at four-year colleges.
Prior to Citrus, McDonald served as an assistant coach at Cal Poly Pomona, helping the Broncos to 69 wins in five years including a 50-37 mark over the final three seasons. She closed out her time with the Broncos in 2009-10, helping guide the team to a 22-7 record and the team's first NCAA Tournament berth in five seasons. McDonald also received the State of California's Civil Servant of the Year accolade.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve LMU student-athletes and community,” said McDonald. “I have always admired the passion and compassion of Coach A. Therefore, it is truly an honor to be a part of a talented coaching staff and to help rebuild a winning legacy at LMU.”
McDonald was a former standout player at Pepperdine from 1999-2003. She was a three-time All-WCC selection, and in 2003 took home WCC Player of the Year honors. McDonald led the Waves to the postseason all four seasons in Malibu, as Pepperdine earned three NCAA appearances and one NIT trip during her time.
“The WCC is one of the most underrated conferences in the country,” said McDonald. “As a player at Pepperdine, I faced some of the most talented women in the game of basketball. Many of which were part of the rich legacy at LMU. I am excited to return to the WCC, as a member of the Lion family.”
