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Melanie Skinner is a veteran volleyball coach, former collegiate standout, and educator with over 28 years of experience. Top 8 nationally ranked middle blocker and right-side hitter at Biola University, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology while competing at a high level.

Trained under Olympic Gold Medalist Coach Ron Larsen, Melanie has continued her development through Gold Medal Squared clinics and work with elite trainer Patrick Gallagher of Pure Athletics. She was named Coach of the Year in 2015 while leading the Sacramento State Women’s Volleyball Club and has coached for Peak Volleyball under D1 Head Coach Mike Welch.

Currently a Physical Education and Health teacher at Ponderosa High School, Melanie is passionate about developing athletes and helping players reach their potential. Volleyball is also a family tradition - both of her children graduated from Ponderosa HS, with Chase Skinner now coaching alongside her and Paige Skinner playing collegiately at Kutztown University.

Coach Casi enters her first season as the JV Head Volleyball Coach at Ponderosa High School. A former Division I setter, she played collegiately at UC Davis and the University of Montana, gaining valuable experience competing at the highest level of collegiate volleyball and earning Big West Setter of the Week honors during her career. In addition to her collegiate playing experience, Newman has spent approximately five years coaching club volleyball with OMNI Volleyball Club. Through her playing and coaching experiences, she has developed a passion for helping young athletes grow both on and off the court, with an emphasis on skill development, confidence, teamwork, and a love for the game. Newman is excited to bring her experience and passion for volleyball to Ponderosa and looks forward to helping develop the next generation of athletes within the program.

Chase Skinner brings both playing experience and a strong passion for athlete development to the Ponderosa volleyball program. A former Ponderosa outside hitter, Chase was a member of the Bruins’ 2022 Section Championship team and is excited to bring his experience and knowledge back to his home school. Chase has four years of coaching experience, including two years with Aspire Volleyball Club and two years with Core Volleyball Club, where he has worked with competitive club athletes and alongside experienced coaches. He has also spent four years coaching at Peak Volleyball Camp and Nike Volleyball Camps, gaining additional experience and insight from high-level coaches and players. As a coach, Chase focuses on more than technical volleyball skills. He takes pride in helping athletes strengthen their mindset, competitive drive, confidence, and commitment to achieving their goals - both on the volleyball court and beyond it. His goal is to share what he has learned throughout his playing and coaching career while helping Ponderosa athletes continue to grow as players, competitors, and individuals.