Concordia Names Melanie Hambelton Head Volleyball Coach
PORTLAND, Ore.— Concordia University athletic director Matt English today announced the hiring of Melanie Hambelton as head women’s volleyball coach. Hambelton will begin her duties at Concordia immediately.
“I am extremely proud that Melanie accepted the head volleyball coach position,” English said. “I believe she will be a wonderful fit for Concordia Athletics, with her desire to win as well as develop young women of character. She will add to what is already an excellent group of coaches.”
Hambelton was an assistant coach last season with Concordia after a stellar career at Estacada (Ore.) High School. In 19 seasons at the helm, Hambelton posted a 605-149 record while taking 16 teams to the state championship tournament. She guided the Rangers to eight state title matches, including two state championships.
“I’m really excited to coach at Concordia with this group of young women,” Hambelton said. “I’m looking forward to the challenge of coaching at a higher level and working with student-athletes who have a passion for collegiate volleyball and who want to excel and continue to develop in their sport.”
Hambelton was a five-time league coach of the year as well as the 2003 and 2005 Oregon Athletics Association 3A Coach of the Year. During her tenure, 25 players went on to compete at the collegiate level. In 2008, the community of Estacada renamed the high school gymnasium the Melanie Hambelton Court.
At the club level, Hambelton has also been a coach and director with the LOCOS Volleyball Club based out of Estacada.
As a player, Hambelton played one season at Arizona State before transferring to Portland State. She helped push the Vikings to the AIAW championship game in 1981, where PSU fell to the University of Texas. Hambelton graduated from PSU in 1983 with a degree in education.
“I learned last season that Concordia is an extremely inviting and friendly university,” Hambelton said. “The faculty, staff and students provide a great atmosphere and I am honored to become a part of that family.