Melissa Yeager

I started playing volleyball when I was just 11 years old. I remember barely making the 7th grade team and feeling like the luckiest girl on earth just to be a part of a team. I was awkward, tall, and totally out of touch with my body, but Mrs. Webb (who I will never forget) gave me a chance. I never really saw the court that first season and can remember almost quitting when I found out we had to wear the dreaded spandex! My parents gave me the opportunity to start playing club that same year. That’s when I became a believer! By tryouts my 8th grade year I had come full circle and was now a starter. I made varsity as a freshman and played club every year after that.
I was blessed to get a scholarship to Northwest University, where our team made it to nationals my sophomore year. After graduating with a degree in Music, I went on to play in a USAV women’s league. I played there for two years and just when I was about to hang up my volleyball hat, I was invited to start coaching at a club called Rain City. I was an assistant but thrust into a leadership role as my head coach discovered she was pregnant. I can remember struggling at first with the transition between athlete and coach. I would come into team huddles ready to listen instead of speak. I would find myself salivating to be a part of the drills. But slowly over that first year the transition occurred and I’ve found a new love for this great game from the sideline view.

For the next two years I was a head coach at Rain City and found great success and fulfillment in helping to develop girls to be better athletes and people. After graduating six girls that I’d coached for three years I started to think about what my coaching goals were and where they might lead me. I was led to WVBA. I’d always admired the coaches and athletes that we had encountered over the years. I knew that this would be a chance to develop my coaching skills, be mentored, and have the opportunity to work with some of the top athletes in our area.

I accepted a position as the assistant coach to the WVBA 17s team with Dave Weitl. What a year we had! This will be my second season with WVBA, my fifth year coaching, and I could not be more excited for what’s in store, both for myself and my team.

Professional
I work at a restaurant, Emory’s on Silver Lake 5 days a week and also for the Seahawks and Sounders on game days.

Personal
I have been married to Grant Yeager for 5 years. We don’t have any children yet but hope to someday soon. In my off time you’ll find me at Greenlake playing doubles volleyball or playing on our boat.

Coaching Philosophy
I desire to create a positive environment where I can be a part of developing better athletes and better people. I aspire to push young ladies to find their best both on and off the court.

Education
BA in Music from Northwest University

Coaching Certifications
IMPACT Certified

Playing Experience
Snake River Juniors (1995-1997)
Club Wahine (1998-2000)
Northwest University (2000-2003)
USAV Women’s team (2004-2006)

Coaching Experience
Rain City (2007-2010)
WVBA (2011-current)

Coaching Highlights
U18 Top 8 finish in Power League (2010)
U18 Presidents Day Champions (2010)
U18 Open ECC Champion (2012)