"Melissa is so fundamentally strong that it's going to be fun watching her get more innings this year and more at bats. She has a pretty swing and is a very consistent hitter. I look for her to step up as sophomore and contribute to our success."–Head Coach Anna Welsh

AS A FRESHMAN: played in 25 games with two starts. Had a .250 batting average with one double and 7 RBI. Melissa was hit by two pitches and had a 1.000 fielding percentage with three assists.

PREP AND PERSONAL: Named to the All Conference team and second team All-Area, two-year varsity starter in high school. Captain for Stone City Sharks travel team, starting first baseman on the Stone City Sharks AFA National Championship team in 2008. Also played volleyball and gymnastics in high school, Honor Roll all four years, member of DARE, CCD Assistant, and a Lions Club Volunteer…daughter of Don and JoAnn, has one younger sister (Kim) and one younger brother (Andrew)…born June 22, 1991

WHY MELISSA CHOSE BETHEL COLLEGE: “Bethel fit what I was looking for: strong academically (particularly science program), great softball team and coach, and it is close to home.”

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT? “Being named All-conference and second team All-area my senior year.”