Erin Mellinger announced her resignation today after capturing two NJCAA national championships in three years at the helm of the Blinn College volleyball program.
Mellinger, who has compiled a 106-11 record in three seasons, said she is leaving the program to spend more time with family.
“It’s obviously been three great years here and we’ve met some people who will be lifelong friends,” Mellinger said. “I’ve had the honor of coaching some pretty incredible young ladies and it has brought me more joy than I ever thought coaching could.”
In her first season at Blinn in 2012, Mellinger led the Buccaneers to a 25-7 record and the quarterfinals of the Region XIV Tournament, and freshman middle blocker Bruna Evangelina was named an NJCAA All-American.
In 2013, Mellinger led the Buccaneers to the program’s third national championship, going 39-3 en route to the Region XIV District L conference championship and the Region XIV Tournament championship. Evangelista was named the NJCAA Tournament MVP, and Trinity Alualu and Rebecca Reeve were named to the NJCAA All-Tournament Team. Evangelista, Crystal Young, and Kariana Castanon-Hill were named NJCAA All-Americans and Evangelista and Young were each named American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Americans. Evangelista was named the NJCAA Female Athlete of the Year, and Mellinger was recognized as the AVCA Southwest Region Coach of the Year.
Mellinger led the Buccaneers to a 40-1 record and the first-ever back-to-back championships in program history last season. Blinn won the Region XIV District L conference championship and the Region XIV Tournament championship, and Reeve, Alualu and Jordyn Keamo were all named NJCAA All-Americans. Mellinger was named the AVCA Two-Year College Coach of the Year and the Southwest Region Coach of the Year.
“Obviously, Erin’s accomplishments as the Blinn College volleyball coach are impeccable, but her student athletes and the athletic department will miss her friendship even more,” said Scott Schumacher, athletic director.
Blinn has earned NJCAA all-academic recognition in each of Mellinger’s three seasons, and has participated in a variety of community service programs, including Blinn’s Adopt-a-Charity Program and the Sideout Foundation’s Dig Pink.
“I’ve made lifelong friends in the athletic department and I will miss them greatly,” Mellinger said. “I’ve enjoyed my time at Blinn and I appreciate the opportunity the board and administration has given me, and I’m proud of all the players we’ve had here at Blinn.”
Eight Blinn graduates who played under Mellinger played at four-year universities this season, and five players from this season’s roster have signed with four-year programs.
“(Assistant coach) Maina (Heming) and I have been able to surround ourselves with special individuals, and I think we have an amazing freshman class coming in – not just good volleyball players, but pretty amazing people” Mellinger said.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 32 NJCAA national championships since 1987. For more information, visit www.buccaneersports.com.
