Oct. 19, 2009

(San Francisco) - USF Volleyball head coach Gilad Doron has announced the hiring of Melissa Walbridge as an assistant coach. Walbridge joins the Dons' program after a stand-out collegiate career at national powerhouse Penn State. Most recently, Walbridge had been associated with San Francisco as a volunteer assistant coach.

Walbridge fills the void in the USF coaching staff that was left by Samantha Hartwell (Hastings), who has moved into the Budget/Finance Manager position in the USF Athletic Department.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to joining the USF coaching staff," commented Walbridge. "I look forward to utilizing my experiences while working with the team here. I am excited to return to the Bay Area and look forward to learning more about coaching from Gilad and Scott, who are each extremely accomplished and knowledgeable of the sport."

"I am very excited to have Melissa join the Dons' family, following in the footsteps of Samantha," added Doron. "I have known Melissa since before she played at Penn State, she has always demonstrated the highest level of competitiveness and is one of the smartest, driven players I have coached. I am excited to have her join our program and help lead our team to new heights on the Hilltop."

Walbridge enjoyed a successful career at Penn State, earning varsity letters in volleyball from 2004-07. Under the guidance of head coach Russ Rose, the native of San Francisco led the Nittany Lions to a 126-11 overall mark, dropping just 54 sets throughout her career. In 2007, Walbridge served as co-captain for Penn State en route to a 34-2 record and the NCAA Division I National Championship. For her efforts, Walbridge was named an AVCA Second Team All-American in 2005.

"Melissa was not only a terrific student-athlete during her career at Penn State, but she showed incredible leadership and concern for the welfare of the team," said Rose of his former player. "Her senior year, she mentored a freshman who not only took her spot but led our team to another National Championship. Melissa's concern was always on the team and her focus and attitude reflected that singleness of purpose."

Also a standout in the classroom, Walbridge was a four-time All-Big Ten Academic Honoree. She was also the recipient of the Spiritus Lionus Award, awarded for excellence in athletics, academics and leadership, as well as the Lions Paw award, the highest honor bestowed to a senior at Penn State.

Walbridge is no stranger to the Dons' volleyball family, prior to serving as a volunteer assistant coach, she was a two-time camp counselor for Doron during the summers of 2008 and 2009.

The four-time member of the Dean's List graduated from Penn State in 2008 with a degree in Integrative Arts.