Taking the lead

May 1, 2015

By Kat Szmit, Barnstable Patriot

Not long ago, Melanie Appleman was impressing fans with her volleyball skills as a top player with the Barnstable Red Raiders. Now, Appleman, who also worked the nets at Bridgewater State University, has parlayed her skills into a head coaching position at Massachusetts Maritime Academy for their women's volleyball team.

 "I was interviewing for a lot of marketing and sales positions, but volleyball is where my heart is," said Appleman during a phone interview. "I've played it since I was 7 years old."

Appleman not only got her start as a youth player in Barnstable, but had the good fortune to play for the man she calls "one of the best coaches ever" - Tom Turco, head of the Barnstable teams.

"I just feel so grateful to have had him as a coach during my high school years," Appleman said. "To experience his coaching style. He's already helped me a lot. He was one of the first people I told when I got the job."

Appleman said what excites her about becoming head coach is her ability to infuse the program with her own passion for the sport.

"It's a very team-oriented sport, which is something I love about it," she said. "I hope to bring this team environment to the girls and have this amazing experience with the program."

As a recent college graduate - she donned cap and gown at Bridgewater State just last year - and as former captain of the Bridgewater State team, Appleman said she brings the unique ability to fully understand the demands of balancing academics with athletics.

"I can relate to where they're at," Appleman said. "It's not easy being a student athlete, and sometimes it's overwhelming, but I was able to create a really healthy balance."

"These kids are cadets," she said. "They have an incredible amount of leadership and integrity. I want to help them hone those skills, and enjoy the game and the people beside them."

Appleman said that landing the position at MMA was part of her post-graduation transformation, which began with graduation in 2014, followed by a stint as a Yoga instructor at the world-renowned Kripalu center. 

"When I got home, the opportunity (to coach) just kind of came to me," Appleman said. "I jumped at it. I met with the staff and they were amazing. I fell in love with their devotion to athletics at Mass Maritime. When they offered me the position I absolutely said yes."

Along with her understanding of what it takes to be a successful student athlete, Appleman said she also brings energy and passion to the position.

Appleman said her goal is to begin a natural progression with her team, while encouraging them to make and learn from mistakes along the way.

"One of the phrases that I have in mind is that it's not about perfection," she said. "I don't expect perfection. It's about progression. Every day we're going to get better, and I want us to have fun while we get better. It's actually going to be an amazing, progressive journey."