LONGVIEW, Texas -- Samantha Tan has been named the new full-time assistant coach for the LeTourneau women's basketball program and head coach Scot MacAllister.

Tan comes to LeTourneau after serving as an assistant coach at Messiah for one season.

"I am deeply inspired by the vision for the LeTourneau University athletic department of 'Cultivating Disciples and Pursuing Excellence' as well as the program and culture Coach Mac is building with the women's basketball team," said Tan. "The emphasis on the integration of faith and excellence in the field of sports is something I admire about the institution, and one of the factors that made me commit to this program."

"Coach Tan is what you envision when seeking an assistant coach; skilled relationship builder, positive problem solver, enthusiastic recruiter, and a non-stop worker," MacAllister said. "Her experiences playing professionally overseas and working with perennial women's basketball D3 power Messiah University have refined and enhanced her coaching abilities. She brings those qualities 24/7/365 along with an on-fire faith in Christ."

Tan was on staff with Messiah during the 2023-24 season that saw the team finish 23-6 and advance to the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament. Tan assisted with several aspects of the program, including game preparation, scouting, player development, and in a number of other areas.

Tan played collegiately at the University of the Philippines from 2013-18 and then professionally for two seasons in the Women's National Basketball League in the Philippines. She was part of the first draft class in the league and played one season for the Glutagence Glow Boosters and one for the STAN Quezon Lady Spartans.

Tan gained coaching experience as a head coach with high school and primary varsity teams (boys and girls) at the Nord Anglia International School in Manila from 2018-22. She also worked several Nike Philippines camps.

"In addition to the basketball skills and expertise I have acquired through my past coaching experiences and as a former player, I aim to bring my ability to build strong relationships and provide mentorship to this program," added Tan. "I want to continue developing and actively contribute to the positive culture Coach Mac has started. I hope to build great relationships with the students and help create a positive environment on and off the court where they can thrive and become not just excellent student-athletes, but also individuals."

Tan earned a master's degree in higher education from Messiah in 2024 after finishing her bachelor's degree in sports science from the University of the Philippines, Diliman in 2018.

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