Maritza Melendez joined the NJIT men’s volleyball staff in September 2024 as an Assistant Coach.
Melendez brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the volleyball community as the Owner and Director of Train Up Sports Volleyball Academy. With an extensive coaching career, coach Melendez has led teams at various competitive levels, consistently fostering growth and excellence in athletes.
Most recently, Coach Melendez served as the Head Coach of the Ramapo College Men’s Volleyball team in 2023. Under her leadership, the team advanced to the championship game in the Skyline Conference, a milestone the school had not reached since 2016. She finished the season with an impressive overall record of 20-12.
Prior to this, she was the Head Coach for the West Milford Boys’ Volleyball team in 2022 and the Hawthorne Christian Girls’ Volleyball team from 2012 to 2014, gaining valuable experience in building strong, cohesive teams.
Coach Melendez began her head coaching journey with Puerto Rican Christian from 2005 to 2006, and as a player, she represented Puerto Rico from 2006 to 2010, competing at an elite level that solidified her understanding of the game’s demands at the highest tiers.
In addition to these accomplishments, she served as the Assistant Coach for St. Peter’s College from 2004 to 2005, helping to shape and refine the volleyball program. She holds an FIVB Level 1 certification, demonstrating her commitment to continued growth in coaching education.
Beyond the volleyball court, Coach Melendez is a retired Marine and retired Police Officer, and currently serves as a firefighter, embodying the values of discipline, dedication, and service to the community.
Updated September 2024
