Two NJCAA trailblazers ignite opportunity
Tamara Moore becomes second female to head men's basketball program
Following in the footsteps of an NJCAA trailblazer, Tamara Moore looks to pave her own trail as the newest head coach of the Mesabi Range (MN) men's basketball program. Moore, hired in mid-April, joins current Nassau (NY) Athletic Director Kerri-Ann McTiernan as just the second full-time female head coach of a men's basketball program at any collegiate level.
Known for its advancements in women's collegiate athletic competition, the NJCAA has long been a home for groundbreaking opportunities for females. Recognized as the first collegiate athletic association to host a women's national championship with the women's volleyball tournament in 1975, the NJCAA continues to create pathways through pioneers such as McTiernan and Moore.
In 1995 McTiernan made history when she accepted a position at CUNY Kingsborough (NY) to become the first female in the country to head not only an NJCAA men's basketball program, but across all levels of collegiate basketball.
McTiernan guided the team to the program's fourth CUNY Championship title in 2000 and recalls how it felt to make headway. "The championship reinforced the beauty of when it all comes together – we all brought out the best in each other that season and it was extremely satisfying to win it," McTiernan recalls. "Our team's call was always "hard work" and "family" – and there is nothing more enjoyable than accomplishing something collectively with people you care about."
Currently, McTiernan serves as the Athletic Director at Nassau (NY), a role she has held for five years. McTiernan holds national leadership positions with the NJCAA Board of Regents, NJCAA Region XV, the NJCAA Diversity and Inclusion Council, and a former member of the NJCAA Football Committee. McTiernan's unparalleled service to the association led to the 2020 Mary Ellen Leicht Service Award.
The leadership role McTiernan has provided over the years is evident, but there is no doubt that coaching shaped McTiernan into the trailblazer that she is best known for today. "Coaching my guys and having the opportunity to partner with them to accomplish our shared goals, I learned the value of having an open mind, building trust, respecting people for who they are and understanding that we all have the ability to valuably contribute to enrich each other."
When asked, the former coach expressed her sentiments for future women whose vision replicates their devotion. "Find your passion and your voice and then to pursue it relentlessly," McTiernan said. "Be prepared, be positive, be genuine."
That's just what Moore set out to do. Throughout a fruitful playing career, Moore began to see that a path to greatness would take more than success on the court. In high school, Moore recruited fellow classmates to join the team, ultimately laying the groundwork to craft her identity as a leader and inspiration for others. Strong-willed and determined, Moore embarked on a journey to make a difference not knowing at the time it would mean returning to her home state of Minnesota to lead a men's basketball program.
After a Hall of Fame career at the University of Wisconsin, Moore was selected as a first-round pick for the WNBA's Miami Sol in 2002. A six-year professional campaign catapulted Moore's passion for the game into a coaching career, an opportunity that has led to the only female currently coaching a men's program at the collegiate level.
"Soaking in all the knowledge of the (WNBA) opportunity got me here. A lot of people say you know, you played for seven teams in six seasons and I look at it in the complete reverse - I look at it as I got to be coached by numerous head coaches that I got to learn different things from."
Moore's knowledge is well-received, perhaps by the list of influencers along the former guards playing trail. The list of head coaches Moore played for ranges from Bill Laimbeer to Michael Cooper. A professional career, rich with opportunity and success revealed her love for coaching basketball.
"For me, the biggest advice I give is don't take the 'no' so personal. There are a lot of no's until you get to that first yes. For me it's all about doing the work, sacrificing the time to continue to grow and perfecting your craft for whenever that time comes when your name is called."
The desire to coach is apparent – along with Moore's basketball responsibilities, the former Minnesota Miss Basketball will guide the women's softball program at Mesabi Range. Moore's ability to lead has made an immediate impression at Mesabi Range.
"I am confident that she will be a great fit - her experience and strong knowledge of the game is evident," said Brad Scott, Mesabi Range Athletic Director. "Tamara has proven to be very successful at every level and I am expecting that she will continue her success on the basketball court and on the softball field."
Among a list of goals, Moore looks to lead the Norsemen to a national championship while also giving junior college the rapport it merits.
"It's not just a two-year school, it's a chance for kids who don't always get one," stated Moore. "I'm trying to put Mesabi on the map and give back to them what they have given to me in this opportunity by giving these young men the possibility of fulfilling their dreams of DI, overseas, to the NBA or wherever else they may go from there."
The vision of these women and the desire to follow their passion is cultivating a new generation of leaders in the athletic scene all around. As an association, the NJCAA is committed to providing equitable resources to all while setting renowned standards towards female advancement. McTiernan and Moore have and continue to pave the way for future opportunities to come.
