Samantha (Nalley) Malinich ’15 Malinich, an exercise science and leisure studies – sports management graduate, grew up in Pocatello, ID. She and her five siblings were very active and continuously involved in sports which ultimately led her to VCSU. After taking her passion for softball and playing for a junior college in California, Malinich continued her career and her bachelor’s degree at VCSU. She says her experience and time at VCSU was “one of the most treasured times of my life.” Here is where she discovered her true love for working in the administrative side of athletics.
After graduation, Malinich began coaching at the college and high school levels, which led her to want to further her education and earn her Master’s degree in Movement and Leisure Sciences – Recreation, Sports, Tourism Management. From there, she started at her current position as administrative coordinator for the athletic department at Lewis-Clark State College in Moscow, ID where she enjoys being back in the NAIA world.
Malinich credits VCSU with the skills she now uses in her career – leadership, communication and organization especially.
