Alumni Update: Malcolm Whitlow ’19
Malcolm Whitlow ’19 made his mark on the basketball court at CDS, but his journey didn’t stop there. After championship games and playing professionally overseas, he’s now returned to the school that helped shape him, leaving a lasting impact in a whole new way.
When Malcolm Whitlow joined Carrollwood Day School as a junior, he quickly made an impact. His time at CDS may have been short, but it was full of dedication and memorable moments. On the basketball court, he helped the team achieve a 24-3 record and reach the regional finals. “My favorite memory at CDS would have to be winning the district championship and going on to the regional final, as well as playing basketball with my younger brother,” he shared. That brief time not only left a lasting impression but also opened doors that would bring him back to CDS later in life.
After graduation, Malcolm continued his athletic career at Eckerd College before transferring to Pratt Community College, where he earned Second Team All-Conference honors. His journey next led him to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he played an instrumental role in leading his team to compete in the conference championship. By his senior year, he had earned First Team All-Conference recognition and competed in the 2024 NABC Reese’s Division II College All-Star Game, a highlight for any collegiate athlete.
In August 2024, Malcolm took his talents overseas, signing to play professionally in Luxembourg. Though an injury brought him back to the United States, he used the opportunity to finish his degree in Homeland Security at Embry-Riddle. As part of his graduation requirements, he needed to complete 300 shadow hours, which ultimately brought him right back here to CDS.
Malcolm reached out to us and was connected with the school’s security team. Since then, he’s been completing his internship hours on campus, assisting with daily operations and ensuring the safety of students and families.
“My experience as a student at CDS was great! I believe being a student at CDS prepared me to be a student-athlete at the collegiate level,” Malcolm reflected. “It helped me find a balance between academics and athletics that I was able to carry on into the next level.”
Looking back, it’s the people and the sense of community that stand out most to him. “The most positive aspects of my time at CDS were the friends and connections I was able to make going here. Creating positive relationships helped me become a better individual and be able to come back to complete my internship and help me graduate college.”
Now, Malcolm enjoys being back on campus, reconnecting with familiar faces, and seeing how much has changed since his time as a student. One thing that makes him especially proud is watching student life continue to grow. “My favorite CDS traditions I participated in were the student clubs. Coming back to see the growth of Grill Club has been amazing.”
Malcolm’s journey reflects hard work and an appreciation for the experiences that shaped him. Whether on the court or around campus, he continues to make an impact in the CDS community, and we look forward to seeing what awaits him after college graduation.
We love sharing our alumni achievements with the CDS community. If you are a CDS Alumni and would like to share your accomplishments, please contact our Alumni Engagement Coordinator, Carli (Gauthier) Mianne '16 at cmianne@cdspatriots.org and let us know what you have been up to since leaving CDS. We look forward to hearing from you!