Melissa Mullinax A Leader and a Warrior
Melissa Mullinax A Leader and a Warrior
The sport of volleyball was first introduced to Melissa during her seventh grade year in middle school. It did not take long for Melissa to decide that volleyball was going to become a major part of her life! "Coach Spears really made volleyball enjoyable to play. She challenged us every day and allowed each player to be successful," says Mullinax. That statement there shows you how important it is to be positive when coaching or teaching. You can have a major effect on someone's life just like Coach Spear did.
Melissa enters her senior season at Sherando with many accolades and memories. Melissa is a two time member of the Northwest All-District team as well as an All-Area team member for two years. Mullinax enjoys the awards but feels the memories she experienced because of volleyball will last forever. "Playing in the state championship game last season was such a rush. I will cherish that for the rest of my life. Says Mullinax" Melissa also recalled her sophomore year when she blocked Loudoun Valley's Blair Brown. "That block was awesome but it hurt really bad. I was in awe of Blair but to block her was really rewarding," states Mullinax.
Last seasons Warrior Volleyball team was simply dominant going 25 and 2 and making it to the state championship game. I asked Melissa to describe what last season meant to her. Melissa replied, "We had high expectations going into the season last year but nobody really expected to play for the state title. The intensity during that game was amazing," remarked Mullinax. Although Melissa was a dominant player last season she was asked to be a role player. "This season there is more focus on me being a leader. I plan on leading by example this season but I want to be more of a vocal leader as well," says Mullinax.
Melissa credits many people in her life for her success in the classroom and on the court. "My parents have been very supportive of me and they have shown that they truly want whats best for me," says Mullinax. Melissa also feels that Coach Minnie has really played a key role in her volleyball skills. "Coach Minnie really understands how to motivate me and he really shows every day how much he cares about our team," says Mullinax.
Melissa hopes that her last season at Sherando will be as fun as the previous three years. "I have really enjoyed playing volleyball and basketball at Sherando. Those sports have allowed me to meet many special people that are important in my life,"says Mullinax.
Although Melissa points out many friendships she has developed over the years in sports, there is one that sticks out. "Brooke Davies has been a major influence in my life. I have looked up to her in both sports my entire career,"says Mullinax.
The Warriors will be a new team in 2006 but Melissa feels that this will be a solid team because of their defense and their ability to pass really well. "I hope that we can be competitive in districts and earn a spot at regionals which could be Sherando's fourth consecutive regional birth," exclaims Melissa. Gameday wishes Melissa and the Warrior Volleyball team best of luck on a great season.
