Melissa Anderson, originally from New Mexico, is the Head Volleyball Coach for the OJC Lady Rattlers. Anderson replaces former head coach, Dana Cordova who is now coaching at the University of Montana – Billings. Anderson will also be coaching men’s and women’s golf during the spring sports season.
Anderson comes to OJC by way of East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and master’s degree in sports administration. Anderson played collegiate volleyball at Lamar Community College for two years, earning an associate degree at LCC, and two years at Si Tanka University in Huron, South Dakota. While at Si Tanka, Anderson competed in the 2003 NAIA National Volleyball Tournament. For the past two years Anderson has been working for East Central University Athletic Department where she assisted with athletic compliance, eligibility, scholarships, and budgeting.
Anderson has great confidence in her role as coach of the OJC Volleyball team. “I played competitive volleyball for over 10 years, playing for a variety of coaches with many different styles. From those experiences, I have taken what I believe to be the most effective coaching methods and developed my own coaching style, using the best from the best,” said Anderson.
With the experience of the returning sophomores and the fresh enthusiasm and drive of the incoming freshmen, Anderson said she feels she could have not walked into a better scenario as a first-time head coach. “I am very eager to kick off the season; the girls are excited, and are ready to prove to me and to each other they have what it takes to be a key contributor toward the success of this team.”