University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Joe Murphy
Malainna White Signs With Women’s Basketball
Nov 16, 2017 | Women's Basketball
White joins Camille Buckhanon, Chioma Nnamani, and Jamirah Shutes during the early signing period
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – University of Memphis head women's basketball coach Melissa McFerrin and the Tigers announce the addition of Malainna White Wednesday afternoon. Prior to her signing, Memphis had already signed the 50th best recruiting class by Blue Star Media in Camille Buckhanon, Chioma Nnamani, and Jamirah Shutes.
"The excitement about Memphis Basketball is palpable as we announce this recruiting class," said McFerrin. "Malaina's recent decision to join our other three signees, confirms the future is bright."
Malainna White
5-9 | Forward
Pensacola, Fla. | Pensacola High School
White, a three-star forward per espn.com, was rated 159th overall and 28th nationally at her position per All Star Girls Report. White comes to Memphis from Pensacola High School where she is a multi-sport athlete. Last season, White led her team with 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals per game.
While at Pensacola HS, White has scored a career-high 38 points in the Ball n' Prep Invitational.
In addition to basketball, White is a four-year letterwinner on the volleyball team and a two-year letterwinner on the track and field squad. In 2017, White led her volleyball team to a runner-up finish in the District Championship. In track and field, White was a Florida regional champion in the long jump and high jump and was a member of the 4x100 relay team.
Coach McFerrin on White:
"Malainna 'Rudy' will win over Tiger Basketball fans with her hard-nosed intensity, strong penetration skills and mid-range scoring ability. She is also a talented rebounding guard with a passion for winning. Her background as a multisport athlete combined with exposure to high caliber coaching prepared her to be successful at Memphis."
"The excitement about Memphis Basketball is palpable as we announce this recruiting class," said McFerrin. "Malaina's recent decision to join our other three signees, confirms the future is bright."
Malainna White
5-9 | Forward
Pensacola, Fla. | Pensacola High School
White, a three-star forward per espn.com, was rated 159th overall and 28th nationally at her position per All Star Girls Report. White comes to Memphis from Pensacola High School where she is a multi-sport athlete. Last season, White led her team with 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals per game.
While at Pensacola HS, White has scored a career-high 38 points in the Ball n' Prep Invitational.
In addition to basketball, White is a four-year letterwinner on the volleyball team and a two-year letterwinner on the track and field squad. In 2017, White led her volleyball team to a runner-up finish in the District Championship. In track and field, White was a Florida regional champion in the long jump and high jump and was a member of the 4x100 relay team.
Coach McFerrin on White:
"Malainna 'Rudy' will win over Tiger Basketball fans with her hard-nosed intensity, strong penetration skills and mid-range scoring ability. She is also a talented rebounding guard with a passion for winning. Her background as a multisport athlete combined with exposure to high caliber coaching prepared her to be successful at Memphis."
Women's Basketball: Alex Simmons Press Conference-November 3, 2025
Monday, November 03
Women's Basketball: Alex Simmons Press Conference-October 27, 2025
Monday, October 27
Women's Basketball: Alex Simmons Press Conference-October 16, 2025
Thursday, October 16
Women's Basketball: Full Court Club-October 15, 2025
Wednesday, October 15