Bio

Melynda Brown was hired as the first ever Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach on December 13th, 2012.

Director of Athletics, Patricia Thomas, had this to say about Brown: “Melynda's experiences as a student-athlete and coach are impressive, and she also has extensive experience with lacrosse clubs, camps and clinics throughout the country. Her high energy and enthusiasm are exactly what we need to build a successful program at the University of the District of Columbia. She is a great fit, and I am proud to have her join our team."

During her time at UConn, Brown served as the Offensive Coordinator under former UConn head coach Angela McMahon. In that capacity, she guided the Huskies to the 20^th ranked scoring offense and coached the 8^th ranked individual player for goals per-game in 2011. She also served as Goalies Coach for one season and the Draw Specialist Coach for two seasons, one of which the team was ranked 5^th in the nation for draw controls per-game. Brown was also responsible for managing the midfield lines during games and organizing day-to-day practice schedules and game plans. Brown’s position at UConn also entailed several administrative duties including recruiting, NCAA eligibility, academic oversight, team travel, and scouting.

Under Brown, the Huskies had a remarkable turnaround that saw the team go 9-8 in her second year (2009-10) after she inherited a team that went 1-15 in 2007-08. UConn followed that successful 2010 season with a 9-7 mark in 2011.

After three years at UConn, Brown relocated to Arlington, VA and spent the last year coaching at Holton Arms High School in Potomac, MD. As Defensive Coordinator and Goalie Coach, she helped rebuild HAHS’ girls’ lacrosse program after three losing seasons as the team earned a record of 11-4 and won the Independent School League Championship.

Brown, a native of Holland, PA, was a four-year letter-winner in lacrosse at the University of Massachusetts, where she graduated with a B.S. in Natural Science of Geology in 2008. She led the Minutewomen to two Atlantic 10 Tournament appearances, including a runner-up finish her senior season. She posted 100 total points on 60 goals and 40 assists over her playing career. Brown also had a stellar high school career at Council Rock South in Field Hockey, Basketball, and Lacrosse. She set and still holds the Pennsylvania scoring record for a single season with 129 goals in her junior season.  She was named the school’s Best Female Student-Athlete in 2004.

Brown resides in Rockville, MD with her husband Chris.

2013-14

The University of the District of Columbia Women’s Lacrosse team had its inaugural season in Spring 2014 under head coach Melynda Brown. Although the Firebirds were winless in 10 games, the team demonstrated both unceasing heart and commitment to learning the game as well as constant improvement all season long.

With a roster made up primarily of lacrosse newcomers and void of any available substitutes to rotate in when fatigue became a factor, Brown’s primary goal was simply to help the team get better. Under her guidance, a few of her pupils developed into formidable Division II women’s lacrosse players, particularly rising senior midfielder Amber Walls.

Walls is a converted volleyball player with tremendous athletic ability. She transitioned to lacrosse beautifully, leading the team with seven goals and 17 shots. She was also third on the team with 13 draw controls.

While Brown found gifted athletes from outside the sport to join the upstart program, she also infused talented and experienced lacrosse players like freshman goalkeeper Dani Falco. A First Team All-Star at Valley Central HS in Middletown, NY, Falco was made a team captain for her knowledge of the sport and exceptional leadership. She went on to have an impressive rookie campaign, ranking 8^th in the East Coast Conference with 70 saves.

The future for UDC Women’s Lacrosse looks bright as several of the players on this year’s roster will return in 2015, and Brown will look to add talented recruits and transfers. She will have the added recruiting and coaching help of newly hired assistant coach Kaitlyn Pasko. A four-year letter winner at Oregon, Pasko graduated in 2010 and her coaching stops have included Division II powerhouse Le Moyne and Division I George Mason.