Melanie Greene is the Recruiting Coordinator and Assistant Women’s Volleyball Coach with San Diego State University.  San Diego State University is a NCAA DI program located in San Diego, California. SDSU is a member of the Mountain West Conference along with other programs such as Colorado State, University of Wyoming and University of Nevada Las Vegas.

Melanie has been working with the SDSU women’s volleyball program full time since 2011.  She was also a standout Outside Hitter for the SDSU Aztec during her collegiate playing career. Outside of coaching at SDSU, Melanie has experience coaching and training with club teams in the area. 

Throughout our conversation, Melanie talked a lot about her “Discipline and Love” for both playing and coaching the game. That theme shined through as Melanie talked about how she got into coaching and some solid tips for athletes on how to manage their time and overcome adversity during this unprecedented time. With such a positive attitude and love for the game, this interview is a can’t miss. Enjoy!

Coach: 

Melanie Greene: Recruiting Coordinator and Assistant Women’s Volleyball Coach with San Diego State University.

Topic 1: How Melanie got into Coaching:

Melanie shares how she was inspired by her father and his coaching career and that started her on the path coaching.  She started training younger athletes and eventually found her passion in working with college aged athletes to help them during that time of their life.

Topic 2: Where did Melanie get her Coaching Style from?

Coach Greene has learned from many different coaches throughout her career and takes bits and pieces and different philosophies to grow as a professional. Melanie's values and what she represents as a person has prepared her to be ready to help others. This is where the “Discipline and Love” philosophy grew into a large piece of her style. 

Topic 3: What Makes Coaching so Rewarding for Melanie?

Seeing the growth of the players and hearing from them years after they’ve graduated has been some of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences in Melanie’s coaching career. This has really impacted her career and how she approaches the challenges she faces.

Topic 4: What are Some Challenges Coach Greene has Faced?

Coach Greene talks about how the rewarding parts of the game can be challenging but they are the still parts that she enjoys. She also talks about the way that athletes have learned the game and how they continue to learn so that she can assist them in their processes and overcoming their challenges, together. 

Topic 5: Tips for Athletes to stay both Physically and Mentally Prepared?

Coach Melanie discusses the silver lining of being at home during this challenging time. Setting up a routine but also using some self reflection to better understand what athletes can do during this time. She shares some tips that she has actually used on how to make a routine and how she implements some mental training into that routine.

Topic 6: What Makes DI Volleyball Unique?

Coach Greene talks about the different levels of play in throughout the NCAA and how you can find what you are looking for in a team at each level. The division that Melanie works in, Division 1, has a large grouping of high talent with its own excitement and its own type of experience.

Topic 7: Melanie Describes Success in terms of Mental vs Physical Strength

Melanie shares some great tips and stories of past teams that have had some levels of success. Both the mental and physical side of the game are important but she also gives us insight into “attitude” and having that innate drive to be successful. Learn more about how to find success.

Coach Greene's experience with D1 volleyball is unmatched. She brings years of experience and wisdom with her tips on how to become a better athlete.

Jess Gregory  

All right, everybody. Here we are with Melanie green over at San Diego State How we doing today Melanie?

Melanie Greene  

Doing awesome. I am sitting outside because it was a little too chaotic inside, but it's 70 degrees in San Diego. So I'm smiling.

Jess Gregory  

Love it. Love it. I like the background. It's definitely nicer than here.

Melanie Greene  

Yeah. Got some palm trees in there. So nice.

Jess Gregory  

All right. Well, thanks for joining us today. Melanie I kind of want to jump in and see how you got into coaching. I always love to hear coaches stories and how they got started.

Melanie Greene  

Yeah, well, you know what actually started young for me, um, my dad played football in the NFL and and so when I was young, I got to see him come out of that and start coaching in college. And so I remember one specific incident when he was coaching at Purdue and I saw him training on the field and watch the relationship between he and his player. And you know, it was one of discipline love, that's for sure. And and I always paid attention it thought, you know, that's pretty special that you can impact someone's life in that way. And then, you know, from time to time I go in his office when he was coaching in college and you'd always see these pictures on the wall, you know, of these former players who had made it further or not, but just had, you know, words of just thankfulness, you know, and whatever it is they wrote to him and and that inspired me at a young age that you know, that's pretty cool. I want to impact you know, someone's life like that. You know, because we're in the life changing business so for me, that's kind of been my inspiration that's started that kind of love for me and and I wanted to coach

Jess Gregory  

nice. So where did you start off? Did you start off with like little kids or did you jump right into 

Melanie Greene  

you know, when I was a, you know, I started with 1516 year olds just coached in club and then yeah, we do, you know, camps here and there and work with a little bit ease, but, you know, it didn't really matter for me because I felt you can make an impact at any age. You just had to identify with them and kind of get on their level, you know, skill level, but also, you know, find ways that you can motivate them and make them better. So, obviously, my my heart is is with kids 1820 you know where I'm at right now? You know, as I feel like you can bet transition from them coming from high school to college. That's, that's important piece in their life. So I think that that piece right there for me is important in is where I want to be for them at that age. Nice.

Jess Gregory  

Now, do you have any coaches that you kind of emulate their style? Did you follow along in your dad's footsteps and how he coached Are there any other volleyball coaches? Maybe that you? 

Melanie Greene  

Um, yeah, good question. You know, there's been actually a lot of different coaches styles out there that I've kind of gleaned from but you know, it's interesting to me because I would say yes, I probably most identify with my dad and but even in that, you know, you're Gotta be different, you know, everyone goes to the convention every single year to try and glean philosophies and trainings. But at the end of the day, it's who you are, that is going to come out in your teaching and in your training and, and for me and knowing that, you know, I'm, I'm big into knowing who you are, because that's who is going to come through, you know, consistently or not consistently to these players. And so that was a big thing to me and knowing who I am, what I represent my values, and how I'm going to train these kids. So So for me, it was big on you know, what I can do first in me before, you know, it can it can go through me and out. So, I did a lot of self reflection and understanding who I was and who I was created to be. And my specific values are discipline, passion, love and lead. So you know, that is how that goes to my coaching. Philosophy is it's very much taking a player where they can't take themself You know, and and a lot of that I mentioned discipline is one of my values. You know, as I watch that, as I mentioned earlier, my dad do that to other players and giving them that discipline that love, you could really see just the respect there, the response there, you could see the motivation there and I think that's the biggest piece where they can come back and they can say, you know, thank you for impacting my life and because you know, volleyball football that's momentary trophies that didn't last too long. You know, you're you're going to gather dust and mas and, and yes, you'll remember those moments, but who you are, you take that with you everywhere you go. And so to me, that's the biggest lesson. That's the biggest impact you can have on a player when you can help their character and develop who they're going to be not just in the game, but you know, through life. Nice.

Jess Gregory  

So kind of rolling into that then what is one of the most rewarding parts about coaching at the level that you're at right now?

Melanie Greene  

Yeah, well, I think, you know, it's definitely rewarding to, you know, have these players come back and you know, talk about in a letter or talk to you face to face of how you impacted their lives on a deeper level than just volleyball. You know, it's, it's nice to hear, well, you know, I had a player, come back and tell me, you know, that attitude statement by Charles swindoll that you made me, you know, memorizes impacted my life and I've, you know, I take that with me. And as I go through trials and tribulations in my life, that attitude statement pops back up, And to me, that's the most meaningful as you help them in life, because it's, you know, you know, all the easiest is how media portrays it, you know, and so be that's, that's part of why we coach you know, you got to give these kids tools and lessons on How to not only impact this world, but how to get through obstacles. And so because they're going to face obstacles, as you know, Jeff, and, you know, we do every single day, so just teaching them how to be confident, strong women to kick butt in this world, and whatever they do, you know, whether it's their profession, whether it's them, being a mom, a wife, whatever, so, so you can teach them those lessons, you know, even through the games. So, you know, even by pushing them by, you know, creating situations where, you know, there's, it's tough, and you've got to tell them that they can push through and, and not quit. And so just, you know, there's different scenarios that I could give that, you know, help them understand, you gotta just push through, and that's going to impact and that's going to help their life. You know, for the long haul.

Jess Gregory  

Yeah, that's really awesome that you can get some of those letters or even the face to face when kids come back that always makes you feel good. Like you know, you've, you've helped those kids and they can come back and tell you, you know that you did a great job. Even if they come back and say, Hey, I only learned this, they learn something, right?

Melanie Greene  

Sure, well, and sometimes, you know, they don't come back for quite some time because they're still marinating on the things you taught them. And, you know, like I said, sometimes discipline. You know, it's not fun in the moment, but what it produces is steadfastness and character and, and sometimes kids don't realize that for quite some time until they go through their own trials of their, their own and their life. So sometimes it's immediate, and they can see it firsthand. And sometimes, you know, you get letters years later saying, wow, you know, this impacted me this way, because I just went through this specific trial and, and so I think, most meaningful, you know, and I think that's part of one of my gifts is individualization where, you know, how to motivate each individual and push each individual you know, so not everyone you can kind of treat the same you know, your fair but, but you got to train them differently based on their gifts and, you know, their struggles too. So, I think that that Another reason why I love coaching is because not everyone's the same, you know, you got to find different creative ways to frame them and help them along.

Jess Gregory  

Yeah. On the flip side of that, would you say that that might be one of the most challenging parts of it? Or is there another challenging moment in coaching that you?

Melanie Greene  

Yeah, you know, I think, you know, that kind of goes hand in hand. Yes, some sometimes that can be challenging, but I love those challenges. I think the most challenging thing for me, that I've seen in the last several years is you know, just this this generation has this mentality not all of them but but most that things you know, are just handed to you. And you know, it's it's very instant gratification, instant access. And so they really haven't learned sometimes the process in which you get there. And so you know, they just have an immediate and so, you know, when you have them come to you if they hadn't learned that process or maybe understand work ethic You know, they'll collapse a little bit, you know, more frequently. And so you have to pick them up and say no, here, here's the process, here are the tools, you know, to get to the other side. And so they're just not as resilient sometimes as maybe you were or I was, or, you know, your parents were, but I think, you know, we had to face probably a little bit more challenges than maybe this generation. So there's, That, to me was probably the most challenging thing. But, you know, I always try and encourage parents that, you know, they have such an impact on their kids lives from one day to until, you know, we get them for the next five years, you know, and so that's our hope and goal is that we're the extension of parents on campus and, you know, we can help where they left off in their teaching and training. But, you know, sometimes we found these kids, you know, don't have any at all they don't know how to how to, you know, fight through obstacles, and so that's something thing that I would encourage parents is, you know, that that's that should be one of their goals, you know that they're there to teach their child sometimes we're always there to be their friend. But, you know, I found with my own son, that sometimes that doesn't work, you know, you got to be the hammer sometimes and, you know, help create consistency in their life to help build their character for life so that they can be successful.

Jess Gregory  

Nice. Those are some great tips that kind of rolls right into one of the next questions I actually wanted to ask about, because you're talking about how these kids need to learn from adversity and it's usually pretty challenging. I coached at the club in college level as well. And I have found sort of the same thing this kids in this generation are struggling with that now right out everybody is stuck inside. So this is probably a good time to overcome some of that adverse adversity. Um, can you give some kids some tips on how to stay active during this time, and then we'll kind of go into some mental mental toughness 

Melanie Greene  

Sure, well and you know what, that's why Jess, I was actually you know, of course this is a trying time for all families with with the situation at hand but you know the blessing out of it, there's always a silver lining is you know, this has really been some time to just kind of be quiet you know where I mentioned that this generation is just used to instant access, you know, immediate feedback you know, instant gratification this this is probably one of the best things that could happen where they just have to just sit and really have some self reflection have you know, and we're creatures of habit. So I will I would encourage you know, to get some type of routine in but I would think that this this is going to help them tremendously but you know, even for me right now, it's I'm outside and this is amazing, not everyone can be outside and just kind of get that therapeutic. You know, time outside as jazz. You're inside with 30 some together so you got to look probably tougher for us. So You know, I know just that routine I think develop a routine and try and stay consistent on that. So for me, you know, I'm getting up and I'm having some me time a little bit and then I'm doing some sort of workout you know, with my son I'm trying to create some consistency for him. So we've been running we've been doing sprints we've been doing long distance we've been doing you know, chores around the house and just developing that and I think just staying active and staying busy, you know, has been good because you feel like you've accomplished something, you know, and so I would, I would encourage that maybe some routine maybe Jess, I know even for you, you know, you probably have your house spic and span you know, so you don't sit around going stir crazy. So I would imagine your bed is made the dishes are done, you know the carpet, everything is clean. So I'm sure you got to do some sort of ritual to kind of keep your your mind sane. But another thing that I encourage, you know, kids to do is you know I've always done just kind of some mental training and you can do it by yourself 1520 minutes, where you're alone. And you know, there's nothing super scientific about it, you know, we did it back in my day where it was just, you know, you kind of find what works best for you. But if you can, you know, see it to action, whatever it is, you're, you're trying to accomplish. You know, for me back in college, we were left to ourselves for 15 minutes and, and they said, you know, see yourself in your skill, and, you know, give reps, maybe 10 or 15 perfect reps, and, you know, watching yourself, do the motion, put that ball in the money, so I would watch servers come at me with different types of serve, I would pass and serve, receive and put a ball on the money 10 times and if at any time in that sequence, you know, I would make an error I'd start all over. So you would train your mind to just, you know, be prepared perfect, you know, so, now is that going to be the case every single time No, but you know, There's there is science behind mentally training yourself, you know, and doing those reps because that's that's a pretty powerful tool. So I've always encouraged, you know, players to do that. And it's worked for me in the past. So I would take 1520 minutes to do just each skill. And you know, just just try and add something to perfecting your game. Nice.

Jess Gregory  

One of them was a little bit different. I've had a lot of coaches talk about just getting their touches on the ball, whether it's volleyball or soccer, but that is one of the first times I've heard someone bring up kind of calming yourself and just taking this time to know de stress because it is a stressful time for these kids. They don't know what's coming next. And I think you know, there are some kids that are a little bit worried, especially seniors about what's going to come up in the next few months here. So it is nice to hear a little bit of a different perspective on on what we can do during this time. So appreciate that.

Melanie Greene  

Yeah, for sure.

Jess Gregory  

I'd like to kind of switch gears a little bit. I know you are coaching at the division one level. So I'm hoping you can maybe give us some thoughts on what makes division one volleyball a little bit unique from other divisions so kids can kind of get a better idea of that.

Melanie Greene  

Sure. Well, you know, I think you you already hit it. Yes. You said it's just a kind of sometimes the different level of play. You know, there's talent, talent in players talent and coaches at every single level. And every single sport you know, even in the NFL, they had Arena Football, you know, there's talented players on each level talented coaches on each level, I think this as you get higher up, obviously, you're going to have a bigger grouping of more talented players, which, you know, in turn is going to give you that higher level of play. So it's a little bit more exciting to watch obviously, and, and, you know, maybe longer rallies but you know, I think Division One, it is Unique just in the fact of, of what I said it's just just a bigger grouping of athletes and and athletes that have that skill at a higher level. So can be a little bit more exciting to watch. But, you know, to be honest with you, yes, I find at every level of it, that it can be exciting and its own nature to watch. You know, but But yeah, just not as much talent, I would say at division one, but I don't, I don't maybe this isn't the answer you want. But it's, you know, to me, it's, it's the experience that matters, you know, and so I think, you know, in the environment that matters, and so, the matter at any level, you know, that's what a kid wants, it wants the experience they want the environment that's going to set them off for for their life to be successful. And so making sure that whatever level that is that you know, they can get those tools you know, from the coaches and and from the support staff So it can set them to be successful on and off the floor. Nice.

Jess Gregory  

Yeah, there's definitely questions, therefore, yeah. So yeah, yeah. Appreciate that. Um, well, I have one more question for you. And I think he kind of ties in with everything that you've already brought up. But I do want to kind of hear your perspective on. If you think about one of your most successful seasons, it can be whatever level it could be as a player coach, but when you look back on that, do you feel that skill or mental toughness was kind of more in the forefront for that success? Yeah.

Melanie Greene  

Well, I think no doubt, you have to have skill. You have to be able to be able to keep the ball up off the floor, and a lot of that does require skill, and talent. But I will say that I think oftentimes the mentality and you know, the relentless behavior of never give up, never given mentality goes a long way. You know, and so, I think that, you know, both absolutely are important. But, you know, as I look back on some of the seasons I had or some of the players, you know, that I coached the kids that really set themselves apart and the teams that really set themselves apart were those that that were relentless in their mentality. And, you know, those that were able to come together as, as a group and perform, no matter what the obstacle was, they were fearless to fight through it. And and so you know, it's funny sometimes, I've worked with boys teams sometimes and, and girl seems obviously but, you know, boys have to compete to kind of be bonded, whereas girls kind of need to be bonded sometimes to compete. And so just, you know, finding ways, especially with girls, how to get them to trust each other, and how to come together as a unified group that they can knock down The obstacle in front of them, I think that you find those types of teams and player led teams that really are the most successful. They aid in themselves they believe in each other they've gone through trials and tribulations and they've come out ahead you know, there hasn't been any skirting around the obstacle to go right through it and I think that makes them you know, tougher as a group together and so to me, yes, talent, you got to have talent or a you know, it's not going to come together. Obviously, you can be the best coach in America, but you got to have talent. But I think the ones that separate themselves from from the rest when the talent is there, is you know, the ones that can really just be resilient, resilient, have a resilient culture, and, you know, come out fighting no matter what and let the chips and ally were where they may.

Jess Gregory  

That can be learned, right? It's not something that's just innately in you, you can you can teach kids to have that that toughness, right.

Melanie Greene  

Yeah. You know, I think you And I think, like I said, That's why I encourage parents to start that training with them now, you know, but I've been around enough little kids to know it's interesting. Just some kids just have that fire under their butt. And some Don't you know, so I do think there is some kids that just innately habit that they're born with it there's just a fire under their butts that they come out blazing. And that's just who they are. And so, I do believe that yes, some kids are born with that but I do believe you can train it as well. So you know, even right now with my son, you know, hit his bent is not to go out and be like, Hey, Mom, let's go run. You know, let's, let's get better today. No, he definitely wants to just be on electronics. So that's where, you know, I'm doing some of that training where no, Okay, here we go. We have every single day we're going to be doing some sort of exercise and training, along with chores. And so that's kind of where you not beat it into them, but you're definitely setting the tone and training them. And their mentality of Hey, this is what's expected, you know, life is not easy and and there's going to be obstacles and you got to know how to work hard and, and have an attitude where you're gonna go at it full force, you know, and that's where that attitude statement comes in that one of my players came in. And she was one of those that at times he had an attitude problem and didn't want to go hard and didn't want to do things. But, you know, that's why she was so thankful that she had learned it because she made a choice. And attitude is a choice. She made a choice that she was going to take on life a little bit differently when challenges came. And so that's why she called me that one time and said, I'm so thankful you made me learn this attitude statement. So, yes, I do think it can be trained. I do think it can be trained and I do think also that sometimes it's just innate land someone as well. Awesome.

Jess Gregory  

Well, hey, Melanie, I really appreciate sitting down and chatting with us today. Um, you gave a lot of great tips for these kids. I'm looking forward to, to sharing it with them. But thank you so much for joining us and hopefully we can chat Soon.

Melanie Greene  

Awesome. Thank you Jess. Talk to you soon. All right. See ya.

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