2012 Female Athlete of the Year
Melissa was a two-sport athlete and earned six varsity letters in her career at Holly HS, three in both volleyball and track & field.
Melissa was a spark on the varsity volleyball team and during her senior season led our team as captain and earned MVP. Volleyball Coach Jamie Jones stated, “I've had the privilege of coaching Melissa for 3 seasons. I could always count on her to be focused at practice while being a leader on and off the court. She always gave her "all" in practice & games and did it with a smile on her face. She is an athlete, a student, a leader, and a polite young lady. I am thankful for the opportunity to have gotten to know her.”
In the spring, Melissa could be found on the track.
As a sophomore in 2010, Melissa qualified for the MHSAA state finals in the 1600 meter relay and at the team banquet was given the ‘Rookie of the Year’ award. With hard work, dedication and a commitment to excel…Melissa would keep on getting better.
Her junior year, all league honors were bestowed on her in the 3200 meter relay, 1600 meter relay and the 800 meter run…AND she qualified for the MHSAA Division 1 state finals in all three events. Additionally, at the regional meet, Melissa broke Holly High’s 800 meter record of 2:18.7 when she ran 2:17. Another record fell that night when our 1600 meter relay team ran 9:28.40. Bottom line…Melissa has left her mark at HHS with her name in two places on our record board. Melissa earned the State Bank Athlete of the Week and the team Most Valuable Runner award.
As a senior, Melissa was named team captain. It is evident both coaches and players notice her leadership ability, high level of commitment, positive and sportsmanlike attitude as well as the fact that she was a tremendous role model for her teammates. Melissa earned all league honors again this year in the 3200 meter relay and qualified for the state finals in the 800 meter run. Melissa was a member of our team that won three Flint Metro League titles. At the team banquet, Melissa was presented the Coach Raffin award for mental and physical toughness while maintaining a positive attitude. The Greater Flint Community Foundation Coach Raffin Scholarship, was awarded to Melissa as well. As the application states, “the recipient will embody values instilled by Coach Raffin through the demonstration of hard work, perseverance and a positive mental attitude.” This, in a nutshell, describes Melissa…the athlete every coach wants to coach and every athlete wants on her team.