KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Coach's corner is a weekly segment where fans get acquainted with Kutztown University head coaches. Our next coach in the spotlight is KU women's basketball coach Janet Malouf.
 
Malouf enters her 27th season at Kutztown University in 2020-21. Malouf is the all-time winningest coach in school history and is a three-time PSAC East Coach of the Year. Kutztown shared the PSAC East championship with Bloomsburg in 2018-19 --its first division crown since 1995-96. Before arriving at Kutztown, Malouf was the assistant women's basketball coach at Lafayette College for four seasons.
 
Malouf received her master's degree in sports management from Purdue University in 1990, where she served as a volunteer basketball assistant. Malouf also played at Division I powerhouse Rutgers University, where she received her bachelor's degree in sports management in 1989. She was a four-year starter under head coach Theresa Grentz, who also coached the 1992 U.S. Olympic women's basketball team.
 
What makes Kutztown University the destination to be a coach? "Kutztown University has a beautiful campus and that college feel that makes you enjoy going to work every day. The coaches are great to work with, supportive and really care about making it a good experience for the student-athlete."
 
Favorite place on campus and/or in town? "My favorite place on campus is the north side. The waterfall and green space make it feel like you are on a college campus in a college town. It has a warm feel to it. In town I like Ozgood's. You can't beat eating outside on the deck when it's a beautiful day."
 
Why did you get into coaching? "I got into coaching because I wanted to help others improve their skills in a sport that I love."
 
Favorite memory as a coach and athlete? "My favorite memory as a coach is the 2018-19 season. It was truly a magical trip to get to the PSAC Championship game. Our trip to Texas as part of that season really helped us grow as a team. No one wanted it to end. I have a lot of other memories coaching some great players and people over my past 25 years. As a player at Rutgers University I have numerous memories as well including two Elite Eight appearances and the different interactions I had with my teammates."
 
What are any gameday rituals? "I don't eat much on game day as I have too much nervous energy before the game. I can't wait until I can walk up and down the sidelines and immerse myself in the game."
 
Favorite professional team and/or player? "I don't have a favorite professional team. I like the underdog most of the time. I love seeing them reach new heights that no one thought they could achieve. As for favorite players, I like those players who are driven and do whatever it takes. Scrappy players who play because they love it and refuse to lose. In all sports, not just basketball."
 
If you weren't coaching, what would you be doing? "If I wasn't coaching I'd be working in sports administration somewhere."
 
Favorite thing(s) to do outside of coaching? "My favorite thing to do outside of coaching is walking the beach, reading a book, spending time with my family and friends. I like hiking and spending time outside."
 
Any sports heroes growing up? "My dad has always been my hero. He worked three jobs when I was growing up. He was a teacher, an official and referee for soccer, basketball, baseball and softball, and a recreation director for our hometown. He took me to all of his events and I was able to grow up around sports. I learned about working hard and finishing what you start, fixing things and being responsible from him."
 
Favorite movie and tv show? "Two of my favorite movies are In and Out, and the Birdcage. They make me laugh. I also liked the Godfather movies and the Hunger Games. TV shows are NCIS, Blue Bloods, Chicago PD., as well as Modern Family."
 
What advice would you give prospective collegiate student-athletes? "I would tell a prospective student-athlete to choose a place that you feel comfortable being at, has your major and gives you the opportunity to play, and challenges you to grow as an athlete. There are many things that can happen when you are at college and if you could never play again, you want to be at a school that you can enjoy your college experience. It flies by, so enjoy it."
 
Any inspirational quotes you've heard that stays with you? "Find a job that you love and you'll never work a day in your life. Get paid for doing what you love. I have been fortunate to have done that for over 25 years."