Melissa Wray

Melissa Wray

February 12, 2024

I’m excited to return for a second year with the Wildfire Volleyball Academy family! My volleyball journey began at the age of 13 when a coach suggested I should pursue another sport. Instead of discouraging me, that moment fueled years of hard work, leading me to become a top-ranked player in New York. I had the incredible opportunity to compete on various club and Junior Olympic teams, which ultimately earned me a college scholarship. I played for Dowling College, where our team, the Lady Golden Lions, celebrated numerous ECC Division II championships. Later, I transferred to Stony Brook University where I concluded my playing career as a Division I athlete. After graduating with a Minor in Education, I dove into coaching at Long Island Volleyball Club, eventually moving to South Florida where I continued mentoring high school athletes.
During my time as a coach in Miami Dade County public schools, I was honored by the Florida High School Athletic Association for my commitment to leadership and team success. One of my proudest achievements was building a volleyball program from the ground up, helping young athletes learn the sport and become competitive in their district in a few short years.
Volleyball has been more than just a sport for me; it has shaped my character and instilled values like teamwork, discipline, and leadership that I carry into every aspect of my life. I am excited to share my passion for volleyball with my players and help them not only develop their skills but also grow as individuals. Let’s make this season unforgettable!