Melissa Avila is entering her first season as Head Women’s Volleyball coach at Cameron University. Avila spent the last 8 years at Western Texas College where she served as head coach for 6 seasons and assistant for two. In the 2023 season, she lead the Westerner to an 18 win season and 4th place finish in the Region 5 Tournament.
Raised in Gilroy, California, Avila attended Gilroy High School where she played volleyball year-round. She was a three-time First-Team All Tri-County Athletic League member. Upon graduation, Avila attended Gavilan Community College where she was a two-year starter. During her time at Gavilan, she was two-time First-Team All-Coast Conference. She earned her Associate of Arts degree in general business.
After graduation, Avila continued her education and playing career at Dickinson State University where she was a two-year starter and team MVP. She graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in exercise science and a minor in business and coaching. After her senior season, Avila stayed on as an assistant student coach.
She then continued her education at Hastings College in Nebraska, where she was a Graduate Assistant for two seasons while completing her master’s degree. During her two seasons as a graduate assistant, the team made the postseason both years and won the 2016 NAIA National Championship, the first in program history. She had the privilege of coaching three All-Americans, the 2016 National Tournament MVP, and the 2016 National Libero of the Year. She earned her Master of Arts degree in secondary physical education and coaching.
