Melo replaced Charlie Mitchell, who coached both the Redmen and Lady Reds until his resignation this month. Melo inherited a program that had an 83-81-4 record in nine seasons at the varsity level.
"Carol Melo is an outstanding young coach with all the tools necessary to be successful at Northeastern State University," said Griffin. "She has demonstrated her abilities over the past three seasons as a graduate assistant coach and we are ready to watch her excel as the Lady Reds’ head coach."
Melo has guided the RiverHawks to a 26-40-9 mark in four seasons at the helm, and in 2008 led NSU back to the Lone Star Conference Post Season Tournament for the first time since 2003.
A native of Sao Palo, Brazil, Melo joined the NSU soccer staff after playing four years at National American University in Rapid City, South Dakota, where she helped her team to three straight national tournament appearances. She also earned All-Conference Honorable Mention and All-Region accolades.
Melo served three seasons under Mitchell, with her main responsibility being the women’s team. As an assistant, Melo assisted in recruiting, had on-field coaching responsibilities and was in charge of the team in Mitchell’s absence.
Along with her achievements on the soccer field, Melo achieved great success in the classroom as well. In May 2002, Melo graduated from NAU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in International Business and Marketing which goes hand in hand with her ability to speak both Portuguese and English very fluently. She also earned her MBA from Northeastern in 2005.
"She is very talented both on and off the field and that is something that she and our women’s team have in common. Having someone like that to keep our ladies motivated and inspired is hard to find. I know that the NSU women’s program will benefit greatly with her as coach," said Mitchell.
