CANYON, Texas – West Texas A&M Lady Buff Ainsley Malis is awarded the NCAA Ethnic Minority and Women's Enhancement Graduate Scholarship that was developed by the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics and the NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee. 

The NCAA awards $10,000 each to 13 ethnic minorities and 13 female college graduates who will be entering their initial year of graduate studies. The applicant must be seeking admission or have been accepted into a sports administration or program that will help the applicant obtain a career in intercollegiate athletics, such as athletics administrator, coach, athletic trainer, or a career that provides a direct service to intercollegiate athletics. The goal of the enhancement programs is to increase the pool of and opportunities for qualified minority and female candidates in intercollegiate athletics through graduate scholarships.

"Ainsley is very deserving of this scholarship as she personifies the "student" in student-athlete," said Michael McBroom. "She is a high performer in all aspects of her life. I'm delighted that we will have one more year with her as a graduate student and one final season playing in The Box. Also, a big thank you to our faculty, especially Dr. Blake Price who recommended her for this prestigious award."  
 
Malis, a graduate student, is earning her Masters of Sports and Exercise Science, Sport Management in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. In her undergraduate studies she maintained a 4.0 GPA while also being a standout student-athlete for the Lady Buff Volleyball program. Malis was the starting setter for the 2022 NCAA Division II National Championship team and the 2023 NCAA DII National Runner-up team. She has one more year of eligibility and will continue setting for the Lady Buffs for the 2024 season. 
 
"I am so honored to be one of the recipients of the NCAA Women's Enhancement Graduate Scholarship," said Ainsley Malis. "I must start by expressing all my love and gratitude to my parents, who have modeled to me what it means to empower women through sports. If it were not for their influence in my life, I would not be where I am today. I also extend my gratitude to my professors, coaches, and athletic administration and staff at West Texas A&M who have created the most wonderful environment to learn and grow in. Not to mention the body of support here in Canyon and back home in Tucson. My family, church, community, and faith-based organizations like FCA have shaped my character and love for people. I am forever grateful. I am excited to represent WT in the classroom, on the court, and in the community with the help of this scholarship. Go Buffs!" 
 
Success runs in the Malis family whereas twenty years ago Ainsley Malis' mom, Michelle Bartch-Malis, earned the same NCAA Women's Enhancement Graduate scholarship in 1995. [Michelle] Malis was an outside hitter for the University of Arizona from 1990-1993. She then went on to form the Zona Volleyball Club based out of Tucson, Arizona where Ainsley played on the top teams. [Michelle] Malis was the Director of Zona vbc, with her husband AJ Malis, for 25 years.