Malik Laffoon is a senior sports marketing major. He has been a member of the men’s basketball team since he began his freshman year at AU and is listed on the roster as a 6-foot-2 point guard.
From his freshman year to his senior year, he has scored over 1,000 points, which is a record he broke on Feb. 28, 2020.
His ability to score so many points may be due to his intense desire to put in the work to get better, as well as his pre-game ritual of trying to shoot as many shots as possible to get ready for the game.
Laffoon enjoys basketball for many reasons, but his team and the opportunity to compete in O.C. Lewis Gymnasium every day is the main reason he loves Raven basketball. However, being an athlete does not come without challenges.
According to Laffoon, these challenges are time management and giving himself enough time to do other activities.
As a captain this year, Laffoon is ensuring that he fulfills his role as a leader. His leadership includes getting everyone game ready, picking people up when they are down and setting a good example of working hard every day.
While his career at AU is coming to a close, Laffoon has made memories along the way as a student-athlete.
“I will always remember the toughest practices and grinding to get better with my teammates,” said Laffoon. “I have made lasting relationships with not only the student body, but faculty, coaches and employees, and that is worth everything.”
Laffoon is graduating in May and is currently in the job application process right now as his hope is to one day work at a marketing agency.
As he prepares for his career, he is confident that his experience at AU will continue to shape him.
“It has really helped me find out who I am as a person and meet some of my best friends for life,” said Laffoon.