WEST HAVEN, Conn. – University of New Haven Director of Athletics, Devin Crosby, has appointed Melanie Greene as the sixth head coach in New Haven Volleyball program history.
Greene comes to New Haven following two years at the helm of the volleyball program at the University of California at San Diego. In her first year as head coach of the Tritons, Greene directed the program to a 17-13 overall record and an 11-7 conference record to finish in fifth place in the Big West standings. UC San Diego's fifth place finish qualified the Tritons for the conference tournament in their first season of eligibility. Three Tritons earned All-Big West honors, highlighted by Emily McDaniel on the first team. Three scholar-athletes were recognized on the CSC Academic All-District Team and six Tritons were named to the Big West Fall All-Academic Team.
"I am incredibly grateful to the President Jens Frederiksen, Athletic Director Devin Crosby, Senior Woman Administrator Becky Clark, and the search committee for believing in me and trusting me with this opportunity. Their shared vision for the future of this program is inspiring. I am excited to build a true family that connects our student-athletes, alumni, donors, campus and fans, while providing a transformative experience that develops our athletes on the court, in the classroom, and in life," Greene said.
"This was one of the most comprehensive national searches we have conducted, and Coach Mel Greene clearly rose to the top. She is a dynamic recruiter who understands the business of higher education and brings a strong volleyball IQ, energy, and passion for her work. Most importantly, she understands the balance between education, leadership development, and competitive excellence, and she fully embraces our athletic department culture of Care for the Human Good," Crosby said.
"Coach Mel has a rare gift — the ability to shape champions not only on the court but in every part of life. Mel pushes athletes to compete with integrity, stay focused in the classroom, and bring their best selves to everything they do. I've worked with many incredible coaches throughout my Olympic career, and Mel's ability to connect with athletes and inspire excellence on and off the court truly stands out," said Steve Timmons, a three-time United States Olympic Volleyball Player and two-time gold medalist, who coached the Aztecs with Greene.
A native of San Diego, Greene brings a wealth of Division I experience. Greene served as associate head coach at San Diego State prior to leading the UCSD program. She was involved in the Aztecs' program—both as a coach and as a scholar-athlete—since 2004. Greene was elevated to associate head coach in January of 2024 after 13 seasons as an assistant coach for the Aztecs. She joined the staff full time in 2011 after a three-year stint as a volunteer assistant with the program from 2007 to 2010.
During her time at SDSU, Greene served as recruiting coordinator for the Aztecs as well as camp director and coordinator. The Aztecs have boasted 19 All-Mountain West selections, three all-region honorees and three all-Americans during Greene's tenure with the program. Additionally, 24 scholar-athletes were recognized on the academic all-conference teams, three earned all-district honors and one was named to the academic all-America team.
Greene graduated from San Diego State in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in recreation administration. She completed her master's degree in leadership and organizational studies at Azusa Pacific in 2010.
