Melissa is from Rochester, New York, where she played for Honeoye Falls-Lima, a New York State Class C powerhouse. She was a 3-time state finalist during her high school career before going on to play Division I lacrosse at High Point University in North Carolina, winning the Big South Championship her freshman year.

She has coached at Southwest Guilford High School, Honeoye Falls-Lima High School, Panther Lacrosse Club, and Monster Elite Lacrosse Club. During her playing career, she spent summers with LadyRoc Lacrosse Club, a nationally recognized organization out of Rochester.

Melissa currently oversees all club operations for M&D Orlando, bringing her extensive experience and passion for developing players to the forefront of the program.

Previously, Melissa served as the Offensive Coordinator for the Girls Varsity Lacrosse team at Lake Highland Prep, where she coached alongside Chris Robinson. During her five years there, she helped lead the team to the 2019 and 2022 Florida State Championships and a three runner-up finishes. 

She was the director of Sol Blazers Lacrosse, a non-profit youth program in Orlando, for five years, establishing a foundation for countless players to develop a love for the game.

In the summer of 2021, Melissa was named Youth Coach of the Year by Corrigan Sports.

Follow Coach Mel on Instagram: @LaxCoachMel