Melissa is a native of Humboldt County, born in Eureka on December 16, 1986. She lives in Fortuna with her mother and father, Carolyn and Steve. Her family includes her sisters Jennifer and Kiley, 18 and 2, and her brother Kasey, who is 7. Melissa inherited her athletic ability from her parents, who both played sports in high school.
Melissa began playing sports in the 7th grade at Town School. Melissa enjoys basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track. Town School had great basketball teams in those years, and Melissa was a major contributor to their success.
At Fortuna High School, Melissa’s freshman year was very active. She played JV soccer, freshman basketball, and varsity track. Her sophomore year, she played volleyball instead of soccer, made the varsity team, and earned her H-DN white star, awarded to all-county athletes. She began the year on the JV basketball team, but was brought up to the varsity half-way through the year. She grabbed a clutch offensive rebound and scored the basket that clinched the victory for Fortuna that sent Fortuna to the North Coast Section tournament. She once again was a solid member of the strong women’s track team that spring.
This year, Melissa’s junior year, she played varsity volleyball once again. She is currently a forward on the varsity basketball team. She likely will play both forward positions. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family and friends. She enjoys going to school, talking on the phone, watching movies, and playing board games with her friends. She would like to thank all her family and friends for always supporting her and being there for her, to help her through things. She would especially like to thank her parents for helping her make the right choices and always being there for support. She would also like to thank the members of the basketball team for being so great and respecting her for who she is.