Melissa “Mel” Lee ’04 — one of the top infielders in the history of Augsburg College softball — is a very busy woman. She serves as an assistant coach for Augsburg’s softball and women’s basketball teams. She also serves as an instructor in the college’s Health and Physical Education (HPE) department, as equipment supervisor for women’s athletics and the HPE department, and as director of academic and support services for the athletic department.
Mel played both softball and basketball during her career at Augsburg. She played as a guard for the Auggie basketball team for 2 seasons and as an infielder for 4 seasons with the softball team. She earned Augsburg Senior Honor Athlete honors in 2004, the highest honor the school awards to student-athletes. An HPE major with a 3.507 GPA, Mel also earned Academic All-MIAC and National Fastpitch Coaches Association Scholar Athlete honors.
After attending Augsburg college as a student for 4 years, Mel decided she wanted to stay. The opportunity to both teach and coach was an exciting proposition for her, and she still loves the combination. Mel loves seeing her athletes and students succeed, knowing they are representing Augsburg whether they win or lose.
What advice does she have for Augsburg students? “Cherish every friendship, experience, every class, every competition, because the 4 or 5 years go by really fast. Do what you love and love what you do. You’ll never have to work a day in your life!”