My Name: Melissa Brandt
Team: 18 Bronze (Assistant Coach)
Certifications:
AOC Volleyball Clinic – 2018
Head Coach Certification – NFHS – 2017
Gold Medal Squared Coaching Clinics – 2014, 2016
First Aid /CPR – 2018
Impact
Coaching Experience:
I started coaching Volleyball in 2013 when I was finally able to convince our high school (Massabesic) to start a volleyball team. The first year we were club team then we played as a JV team before our program was fully approved as a varsity sport. I am very hands on & help with all aspects of our program & we will be starting a middle school program in winter 2020.
In 2014 I also accepted an 17U Club coaching position with BOOM & coached 18U & 16U teams assisting with all our teams & mentoring coaches. In 2019 I came to Maine Juniors as the 15 Sky Coach & this year I am leading the 16 Bronze (Brandt) team.
My coaching career began 13 years ago on a little league diamond. In the spring, if I am not on a court I can be found either in the batting cages or on a baseball field coaching or cheering on my own boys (1 at Husson University & 2 in HS). 2020 will be my 8th year as a middle school baseball coach at Massabesic
Playing Experience:
Though I played pick up in HS my volleyball career got started in the spring of my Freshmen year, Having played 3 sports in HS I wanted a break but found myself missing the competitive team atmosphere. I began as a serving specialist & DS but quickly became an OH – all around player for Unity College DIII Small College Conference. I was named to the all state team my Jr & Sr year. Having chosen to double major I was able to play 4 seasons. I have continued to play in leagues, pick up & occasionally an MSVBA tourney.
Coaches Outlook:
I am excited to see how my team develops this year. Growth in the physical game develops over the season & I love to see those milestones checked off. The mental part of the game is also a focus this year. Learning to be mentally strong, coachable & resilient as an athlete translates off the court & directly into school & work. Most of the players at this age need a little refinement in skills but most of all they need to learn to be hungry for more & develop the confidence to perform under any circumstance.
Why I Love Coaching:
Watching a player fall in love with the sport & seeing the progression in skills are the biggest rewards. I am fortunate enough to get to see my club players (& former players) in the HS season contributing to their team’s success & getting to see some of them compete in a state game is so rewarding. I am honored to be a part of their journey.
My Day Job:
I studied Environmental Science – Wildlife Biology & Ecology & currently work for the York County Soil & Water Conservation District as District Manager where I help manage the 140 acre Sid Emery Demonstration Forest, provide environmental ed programs to schools, work with our lakes & rivers to protect water quality through technical assistance to reduce runoff & erosion, manage grants & assist with invasive plant management.
Hometown:
Waterboro, Maine
Favorite Food:
Cucumber Sandwiches
Other Info To Share:
I spend my extra time outdoors camping, fishing, exploring & taking pictures. My family has owned sled dogs for over 24 years running them competitively all over New England. We are currently enjoying the retired dogs running them recreationally, when I can get them away from the couch!
