Russ Rose Then (2007): “Melissa has quietly put up great numbers through her first three seasons. She was an All-American during her sophomore season and last year everything about her game should have again garnered her recognition as well. She is a player who, most importantly, plays well in her position, which in turn allows us to play well around her. She[apos]s not our most dominant offensive player but she is a great blocker, a terrific teammate and if opponents leave her alone, she’ll score.”
Russ Rose Now (2025): “Melissa is a great example of a selfless human being, because she was an All-American middle blocker, and after Ari Wilson came in, and transitioned into that starting middle blocker position, the beauty of Mel is she was instrumental in helping Ari Wilson develop. Mel was All Big 10 and All American because she was a terrific blocker and hit for a high percentage — she was a Second Team All American as a sophomore. She was always battling a sore back, but she was durable, and she played hard. At times, she was at the top of our team and the Conference for blocking as well as attacking. But she was somewhat overshadowed by the future Olympians and National Team players like Christa Harmotto and Megan Hodge and Nicole Fawcett. So much of our success was based on the contributions and sacrifices that people like Melissa and others made for the benefit of the team. It’s really hard to find somebody that would go from being an All-American starting player to altering their position on the team. I have a warm spot in my heart for Mel.”
2007 Season (Senior): 2007 National Champion … played in 24 matches and 48 sets, averaging 2.33 points/set and 1.67 kills/set with a .416 hitting percentage. She averaged 1.21 blocks/ set.
Before Penn State: Four-time volleyball letterwinner at Pennsbury High School in Fairless Hills, Pa. … team captain during senior season for the Falcons … compiled a record of 82-12 during scholastic tenure … member of the Suburban One League championship team in 2000, 2002 and 2003 … team won the district championship in 2003 and was a AAA Pennsylvania state finalist in 2003 for the first time in school history … named the Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year and a Prepvolleyball.com All-American in 2003 … tabbed as a first team All-State selection in 2002 and 2003 … 2003 Philadelphia Inquirer Player of the Year … two-time Courier Times Player of the Year … named a Volleyball Magazine ‘Fab 50’ selection in 2003 … two-time District One first team selection, Courier Times Golden Team first team and Suburban One League First team … National Honor Society member … member of the high honor roll all four years of high school … named one of Pennsbury High School’s ‘Best and Brightest’ by the Trentonian … received the National Scholar Athlete Award from the U.S. Army Reserve.