MICHELLE MELIA NAMED HEAD WOMEN’S GOLF COACH

WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – Monmouth University Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Marilyn McNeil has announced the hiring of Michelle Melia as the head coach of the women's golf program. Melia was named the LPGA National Golf Coach of the Year in 2008. "Monmouth is excited to have Coach Melia join the Hawk family," said McNeil. "Michelle is recognized as one of the best teachers of the game and has put together a very successful career as a college coach. Our student-athletes are very fortunate to have her lead the Hawks. We are anticipating a fabulous future for women's golf!" Melia spent the last five years as the director and owner of Melia Golf, LLC while offering instruction to all levels of golfers at Twin Brook Golf Learning Center in Tinton Falls, NJ. She helped organize all golf and education programs, and initiated specialized programs to help players develop their skills at the middle school, high school and collegiate levels. "I'm super excited to be back at Monmouth, and I want to thank Dr. McNeil for giving me the opportunity," said Melia. "There's a lot of talent and I think we're going to build a really great program that's going to contend for conference championships." Prior to her time at Twin Brook, Melia worked as an administrator at St. John's from 2012 to 2013, and at Monmouth from 2008 to 2012. As an Associate Director of Athletics at MU and the Senior Woman's Administrator, Melia worked directly with NCAA compliance and supervised multiple sports in her time. Melia worked at Fairleigh Dickinson as the head coach for men's and women's golf from 2006 through 2008, where she was named the LPGA National Golf Coach of the Year in 2008. She helped with the founding of the FDU women's golf program, while being responsible for the day-to-day operation of both programs. Other coaching experience includes time as an assistant at both Monmouth and Rutgers, and time teaching at Greenbrier Golf Club in Monroe, NJ. As a player, Melia played collegiately at Rutgers and was named to the 1992 ECAC All-Conference Team. She is a three-time national tournament qualifier, and a five-time NJ State Public Links Champion.