The Emory Senior Spotlight Series continues with a look a current women's swimming & diving student-athlete Maly Shores.

Name: Maly Shores

Hometown (HS): Hickory, NC (Hickory)

Sport: Women's Swimming & Diving

Majors: Information Systems and Operations Management & Political Science

** How did you start getting involved with swimming? How old were you when you started competing?

My mom swam at Emory which got me interested in the sport, and she introduced me to the sport when I was 8! 

** Do you have any plans for after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to work in Washington, DC with Booz Allen Hamilton as a consultant.

** What is one piece of advice you would give to your freshman self?

Trust the process

** Which Emory faculty or staff member has made the greatest impact on you and why?

Bob Hackett, our assistant coach. He has dedicated hours working with me during and after practice to become the best person and swimmer I can be. He truly cares so much about his athletes and has made a tremendous impact on my life. For example, he counted all of my strokes in a 10-minute race… just to prove a point about my technique. He's an incredible mentor to me, and I am thankful to have been coached by him at Emory.

** What is one class would you retake just for fun and why?

ACT 410 Business Law —Professor Allison Burdette brings a new, refreshing energy to learning a complex subject. She never fails to make my day, but I took this class virtually and wish I had the chance to experience it in person!

** What is the most unique thing about your hometown?

I'm from a small town in North Carolina, but it was home to the 1944 Polio Hospital!

** What is something that people may not know about you but should?

When I was nine, I was state champion for free throw shooting in North Carolina, but I've never played a second of basketball in my life.

** Other than swimming, what is another one you think you could play at a high level?

Soccer! I played club soccer until I was 16.

** What is one professional athlete (past or present) would you like to have a conversation with and why?

Aly Raisman - she played such a significant role in the Larry Nassar trial, the sexual assault case that affected athletes everywhere. I find her courage to be inspirational and would love the opportunity to converse with her.

** How have you been trying to occupy your time with given the current COVID environment?

I've found joy in new things that are safe - my roommates and I have gone to multiple picnics to Piedmont Park!

** Food you hate that everybody else seems to enjoy?

Anything spicy!

** What would you say are your top three movies or television shows of all time?

This Is Us, Scandal, and Schitt's Creek

** What is your favorite thing to do around Atlanta?

I love walking the belt line! Atlanta's geographical design is incredible, and there are so many fun stops and views on the belt line.

** What has been your most memorable moment during competition during your Eagles career?

Winning the conference championship my freshman year at Emory! The team's energy was unmatched because every swimmer had the ability to be there at our home pool.

** Favorite non-athletic moment from your past few years at Emory?

Freshman move in! The swim team moves in each freshman on move in today. It's so fun to be a freshman and automatically have 70 friends help carry all the bags and even better to make others feel that way as an upperclassman.

** What would be one thing you'd like to impart to the underclassmen before finishing your career?

Remember the people. Every year your team changes, bringing new, exciting energy and teammates! Take each year in because it goes so quickly.