With the fall semester winding down, Auburn softball is making the most of its time on campus before the holiday break with its final practices. We continue to spotlight one of the newcomers to the program that hopes to help carry 2023's momentum into a new season.
Malayna Tamborra, a Marietta, Georgia native, is entering her freshman season on The Plains. The second-generation Division 1 softball pitcher inherits her skills from her mother, former Oklahoma Sooner and Florida State Seminole, Stacy Tamborra.
Q: Why did you decide to commit to Auburn softball?
Tamborra: I committed to Auburn in the fall of my junior year of high school, and I just loved everything about it. Not only as a softball program, but also Auburn as a school. It was the perfect fit for me, and now that I am here. It was the best decision I ever made.
Q: What advice would give your younger self?
Tamborra: Trust yourself and trust the process. It is so worth it in the end.
Q: How old were you when you started playing softball? What are your earliest memories of the sport?
Tamborra: I started playing softball at four. My earliest memories of playing are probably in tee ball with the game ball and post-game snacks. Always a favorite :)
Q: If Auburn could play in a softball tournament anywhere in the world, where would you'd like to go?
Tamborra: Italy! I've always wanted to go to Italy, and I think being able to play there would be so cool.
Q: What has been the highlight of your softball career thus far?
Tamborra: Playing in Taiwan with my travel team in 2020. It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip and was definitely one of the coolest experiences.
Q: What uniform combo are you most looking forward to wearing?
Tamborra: The navy uniforms, especially for night games!
Q: What makes Auburn softball special?
Tamborra: The girls, 100 percent. We are always there for one another. I feel like everyone truly loves and cares for each other, which is not the case at other places. It makes Auburn so special. Everyone has been so welcoming and accepting to us newbies, and I could not be more thankful for them.
Q: What teammate(s) have helped you adjust since arriving at Auburn?
Tamborra: Emmah Rolfe and Axe Milanowski have been my rocks since I've gotten here, but all of the girls have been so welcoming. I could not be more thankful for them.
Q: If you could trade places with any of your coaches for the day, who would you pick?
Tamborra: Probably Coach Lenti. I feel like he's just got life figured out.
Q: Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?
Tamborra: My mom gave me these little red bird charms that I keep in my back pocket for every game. I haven't played a game without them since my freshman year of high school.
Q: What's currently your favorite social media platform? Why? How can the Auburn Family follow you?
Tamborra: TikTok. My "For You" page right now is so funny and just keeps me entertained.
Q: What's your major? What do you plan to do with your degree?
Tamborra: I'm currently pre-business, but I am planning on going into business management and using that in some sort of sports company in the future.
Q: Describe your perfect slice of pizza...
Tamborra: Light sauce, extra cheese - but not overly greasy - extra black olives and ranch on the side.
Q: What is your favorite holiday?
Tamborra: Christmas! I just love Christmas time. I am a huge Christmas Hallmark movie girl.
Q: What is your favorite homecooked meal?
Tamborra: Steak with twice-baked potatoes and steamed broccoli.
Q: How is Auburn different from your hometown?
Tamborra: Auburn is a true college town, and that is one of my favorite things about it. I always wanted to go to a school that had that environment, and Auburn is just perfect.
Q: What's one movie you can quote word for word?
Tamborra: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. It is my airplane movie. I watch it every time I am on a plane. It's also just my favorite movie, and I can quote it word for word.
Q: What is your favorite dessert?
Tamborra: I LOVE Cheesecake Factory Godiva cheesecake.
Q: If you were stranded on an island, what three teammates would you want with you? Why?
Tamborra: Axe Milanowski because she would be able to figure out how to get us out. Emmah Rolfe and Millie Roberts to keep me entertained while Axe figures out how to get out.
Q: If you could give a message to the Auburn Family about the upcoming season, what would to be?
Tamborra: This is going to be an AMAZING year for Auburn softball. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!! WAR EAGLE!!!!