Melissa Ernst was crucial to constructing a women’s volleyball dynasty at Madison College. A two-sport star at Middleton High School, she brought an athletic prowess with her when she arrived on campus to join a volleyball program already on the rise.
As a freshman, Melissa and the WolfPack put together a 32-8 season that included Wisconsin Technical College Conference and Wisconsin Junior College Athletic Association championships. They would ultimately fall in the Region 13 title match, but finished the year ranked #3 in the NJCAA Polls. Melissa finished the season with 78 kills, 39 assists, 128 digs, 19 blocks, and 15 aces, demonstrating her well-rounded skill set would be something the team could build around for the next year.
The 6’1” outside hitter returned for her second season ready to make a statement, and that is precisely what she and Madison College did. Melissa led the WolfPack with 333 kills and a .264 attack percentage, while also guiding the defensive effort with 269 digs and a 2.42 digs per set average. In addition, she added 39 blocks and 36 aces to her impressive season stats. New to the North Central Community College Conference and Region IV, Madison College sent a strong message with a 10-2 N4C record to earn second place, with their team captain picking up N4C Player of the Year accolades and first team all-conference distinction.
She and the WolfPack then set their sights on a first-ever Region 4 crown, which they achieved with a dramatic five-set defeat of top-ranked Rock Valley College that included a career-high 23 kills by Melissa. She added Region 4 All-Tournament Team and All-Region 4 honors to her growing list of postseason awards as Madison College prepared for their first appearance at the NJCAA Division III National Tournament. And with back-to-back sweeps of their first two opponents, the WolfPack found themselves in the title match against Brookhaven College (TX) but would fall in four sets. Melissa received NJCAA Division III All-Tournament Team and NJCAA First Team All-American recognition.
"Statistically, Melissa's 2008 and 2009 contributions to our women's volleyball program were vital to our success. What she brought to the program in terms of leadership, accountability, and unselfish commitment was immeasurable,” commented former women’s volleyball coach Toby Parker. “From her Saturday, October 31st, 2009 "kill heard around the world" to secure the program's first trip to a National Tournament to her drive and dedication to simply make others around her better, Melissa embodies all that a Hall of Famer should."
Melissa left Madison College with 411 career kills, which currently ranks 15
th all-time, and her 333 kills in 2009 is tied for the fifth-best single-season mark in program history. She made her way to NAIA Judson University and was immediately one of the Eagles top all-around performers. A two-time NJCAA Academic All-American and academic all-conference honoree at Madison College, Melissa eventually went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Health Psychology from Grand Canyon University, graduating Cum Laude. Today, Melissa helps run Harbor Athletic Club, serves as a High School Ministry Leader at Blackhawk Church, and recently became a certified intuitive eating counselor.
When asked about her time at Madison College, Melissa had the following to say:
"After ending my high school career with a bad injury and taking a break from volleyball for a couple years, I never imagined the experience I had at Madison College. The two years playing at MC challenged me mentally and physically and I grew not only as an athlete but as a person. We had a special team in 2009 and that season was my all time athletic highlight and a personal highlight. Our team was committed to giving our all in practice, playing as a team, bonding as a team outside of practice, encouraging each other and finding ways to win, and that we did. We defeated some tough teams that we weren't expected to but our team always believed we were capable. Playing for the national championship for the first time in school history was an honor and something so special, I hope I never forget! I don't think I have ever played on a team that had the strong bond our 2009 team had. Many of us keep in touch today, some still play rec together and we even got together for a day in 2019 to celebrate our 10 year reunion of going to nationals. The support from our coaches and all the athletic department was instrumental in our success as a team and as students. Madison College fostered a healthy and helpful atmosphere for student athletes to grow and I am forever grateful for that."
