Asst. Coach: 14 BLACK

Melissa is back with ITVC for another season as an assistant coach, this time with the 14 Black team for the 2012 club season.  Mel has previously assisted with ITVC teams at the U15 age group from 2008-2011.  She has also coached with other clubs around the Pacific Northwest, including MAC (2002-03) and NW Juniors (2005-07), earning NW Juniors “Coach of the Year” recognition for her efforts during the 2005-06 season.  Mel currently holds the USAV IMPACT certification.

As an athlete, Mel played her collegiate volleyball at Seattle University, earning team MVP honors in 2006.  She was a GNAC 2nd Team All-Conference pick in 2006, while earning GNAC 1st Team All-Academic accolades in 2004, 2005, and 2006.

Mel brings a lot of structure and attention to detail to the court in addition to the following coaching philosophy: “Playing for a competitive volleyball team, especially at 14, is about establishing two sets of fundamentals: volleyball and life skills. At 14s, it’s critical that players hone their basic fundamental skills of passing, setting, hitting and serving, as well as establishing good footwork, and learning to hustle and be vocal at all times on the court. As far as life skills, this is the time to really emphasize time-management, communication, and accountability; because these are the skills our players will need in order to be successful high school and college athletes. Equally as critical is teaching the girls that they can have fun while achieving all of the above—no one wants to burn out at 14, and if it’s not fun at some level, it’s not worth doing. Practices are designed to be fun, but competitive based. I expect players to give 100% at every practice and in every match, whether they’re on the court or on the bench. I want them to learn that when you work and play hard, good things come.”

In her spare time, Mel enjoys life as an avid and enthusiastic fan of the Oregon Ducks!