University of New Haven Athletics

One of the first All-America honorees in the storied history of New Haven women’s volleyball, Shirley Bacon-Malek earned a Second Team nod from the AVCA in 1988 as the Chargers posted a 44-2 record and advanced to the Elite Eight.

Also a CVCA Honorable Mention All-America performer in 1985, she helped lead the Chargers to three national quarterfinals in her career while accumulating 1,195 kills, 196 service aces, 551 digs and 241 blocks.

Her 662 kills in 1988 remain the New Haven single-season record (through 2015). She can also be found in the single season records in service aces (8th with 96 in 1988) and solo blocks (8th) with 62 in 1988. All-time, Bacon-Malek is fifth in career service aces with 196. 

In addition to her All-America accolades, Bacon-Malek was the New England Collegiate Conference Most Valuable Player in 1985 and 1988 and a three-time First Team All-NECC selection.