UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- Penn State women's basketball head coach Carolyn Kieger announces Tay Valladay will join her staff as the Director of Player Development. Vallday played her final season of eligibility with the Lady Lions during the 2023-24 campaign and was an integral part of the team on on the court and in the locker room.
"We are thrilled to welcome Tay back to our Lady Lion family in a new capacity," said Kieger. "Her fierce competitiveness, understanding of the game, experience on the court, and dedication to our team's success make her an invaluable addition to our organization. We are confident that her impact will significantly enhance our efforts both on and off the court."
The Chicago, Ill. native enjoyed a successful collegiate career. Valladay spent her first two seasons at Marquette. In her time as a Golden Eagle, she played in 46 games and averaged 5.2 points, 1.8 assists and 1.7 rebounds per game in her sophomore campaign. Valladay transferred to Virginia in 2021 where she spent her next two seasons. She started in 51 of 55 games throughout her two years and averaged 9.7 points, 3.7 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. The former Lady Lion guard led the team in assists and steals in both her seasons. She ranked seventh in the ACC in assists per game and ninth in assist to turnover ration during her senior year.
Valladay utilized her final year of eligibility at Penn State where she concluded her collegiate career. She played in 21 games and started in 15 before a season ending injury on Jan. 31 at Minnesota. Prior to her injury, Valladay averaged 11.5 points to compile a total of 241 points through the first half of the season. She posted 56.5% shooting from the field and 52.6% from three-point range, to lead the squad at the time. Her transformations throughout her career to her time at Penn State is undeniable, improving her scoring average from her first four years to her fifth-year by nearly six points per game. Valladay also increased her field goal percentage by nearly 16% and her three-point shooting percentage by 27%. Her voice has a leader on and off the court continued despite being sidelined.
