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Women's Soccer Adds Melendez As Goalkeeper Coach
Aug. 6, 2009
SPOKANE, Wash. - Gonzaga University head women's soccer coach Amy Edwards has announced the hiring of Lester Melendez to serve as the goalkeeper coach for the Bulldogs in 2009. Melendez, who replaces former assistant coach Molly Schneider who has elected to step down due to personal obligations, will begin working with the Zags in their first day of practice Aug. 9. Melendez joins Gonzaga after most recently serving as a volunteer assistant coach at the University of Miami for the past three seasons. During his tenure at Miami, Melendez helped the Hurricanes reach two consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference Tournaments and make two NCAA Tournament appearances while coaching a freshman keeper that went on to earn Freshman All-America and All-ACC honors. "I am thrilled that Lester will be joining us as he brings endless energy, tremendous coaching experience, and international playing experience to our staff," said Edwards. "Lester is such a professional that he will enhance all areas of the program but especially challenge the goalkeepers." The Chinandega, Nicaragua native who was raised in Miami was a member of Nicaragua's Under-21 national team, Under-23 national team and senior national team. During his tenure on the national team he served as the national team's starting goalkeeper in the Athens 2004 Olympic qualifying tournament as well as the 2004 FIFA World Cup qualifying. He also started in goal for Nicaragua during the Central American and Caribbean Games. Melendez graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a computer science degree in 2005 and later went on to earn a master degree in computer science from Florida International University. He is also working towards earning a Ph. D in the same field also at Florida International. Melendez turned pro after playing one year at UMASS and played for Pegasus FC, England's Harrowboro FC and Walsall FC, Cracovia Krakow and Asan Red Ox.
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