Melissa joined the Sharks in the fall of 2015. She began swimming for MGC Swim club at the age of 7. She swam there until 15 when she moved to NHCP Swim club due to MGC closing. While swimming for those clubs she was a Multiple Minnesota State Champion in the Minnesota LSC of USA Swimming and competed at Junior Nationals for multiple years. For high school, Melissa lettered two years at Osseo High School and three years at Maple Grove High School. At Osseo she earned rooking of the year and MVP honors. At Maple Grove she earned MVP and was a NISCA All-American for three straight years 2005-2007.  Earned All-Conference honors from 2003-2007. All-State Selection from 2005-2007. Member of the Minnesota Class AA State Championship team in 2007.

After high school, Melissa competed for the University of Minnesota for four years from 2008-2012 specializing in Sprint free, fly, and back.  She was a two time Big ten Swimmer of the Week. Academic All-Big Ten 09-10 and 11-12. Part of the 2012 Big Ten Championship team and was voted Most Improved during the 2009-2010 season.

Her passion and knowledge for swimming led to numerous coaching opportunities after college. She volunteer coached for Breck during the 2013 and 2014 seasons.  Melissa became an assistant coach for them during 2015 season. For one season from 2014-2015, Melissa was the 8 and under coach for Phoenix Swim Club. In 2016 and 2018, Melissa was selected for the National YMCA Coaches leadership development camp that was held down in Florida.

Melissa has a fun and inviting coaching style the focuses on good technique and the fundamentals of the sport.

Melissa works full-time for UnitedHealth Group as an Operations Manager.

She enjoys spending time with her family and friends in and out of the water. In her spare time she enjoys working on her house, working out, cooking and doing arts and crafts.