Neumann University Athletics

Melissa Haines begins her second season as an assistant coach with the Neumann University Volleyball team.

Haines is no stranger to the Neumann Knights as she graduated from the university in 2010 with a degree in Elementary Education. Haines, a Sun Valley High School graduate (2006), was a key defensive player for the Neumann Knights for four years. Haines started in the defensive specialist role as a freshman and as a senior she was the team’s starting libero. Her hard work in classroom was recognized through All-Academic conference honors her junior and senior years. Her aggressive defensive play was recognized in the conference her senior year as she earned first team All-CSAC honors as a libero. Her teammates had also selected her for various team awards at the end of each season, including Most Valuable Defensive Player. Additionally, Haines was recognized with All Tournament team distinction at the Gettysburg Tournament her senior year.

Due to her outstanding play as a defensive specialist and libero, Haines was able to achieve the 1,000 digs mark during her Knights career (1,057 total digs). Haines holds the seventh spot for all time digs leaders for Neumann. Haines was an integral part of the Knights team when they won the conference title in both 2007 and 2008, subsequently participating in the NCAA tournament both years.

As a coach, Haines has been with Mystique Volleyball Club for four years. As an assistant for the Knights team, she has been responsible for defensive training as well as recruitment of student athletes.