Cross Country Coach aims to support student success

University Liggett School has hired Colleen Mellon as the head coach for the boys’ and girls’ cross country team. Previously, Mellon was the head coach of the girls’ varsity cross country team at Anchor Bay schools, where she earned Macomb Athletic Conference coach of the year honors four times — 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018. 

“My coaching style is not one-size-fits-all. I work with each athlete to implement the most beneficial resources to develop and meet their desired goal, and then beyond while establishing self-awareness, empowerment, and confidence,” Mellon said. 

During her six years of coaching cross country and track at Anchor Bay, Mellon coached several athletes to record-setting runs. 

University Liggett School Athletic Director Alan Parish said,” I am excited to add Colleen to the University Liggett School coaching staff. She has had tremendous success at Anchor Bay and has the experience required to be successful here at ULS.”

Mellon earned her Bachelor's degree in kinesiology and business administration with a minor in coaching at Western Colorado University. She competed and qualified for NCAA Division II Nationals and was an All-American four consecutive years in cross country and 10,000 meters in track. She qualified for the Boston Marathon with a 3:02, and competed in the U.S.A. Triathlon Circuit. 

She is committed to giving back by encouraging student-athletes to achieve their goals. 

“My professional and personal responsibility is to help others identify their individual passion and my role as a coach is to be a valuable resource toward their goals and success,” Mellon said. 

She is the mother of two daughters, Eleanor and Grace.