PETERSON GETS IT DONE
12-2-05

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Commonwealth University women’s volleyball team earned the first NCAA tournament berth in school history this season, but for the Rams’ starting middle blocker Melissa Peterson accomplishing rare feats is nothing new.  The 5-11 junior from Ganado, Arizona, is one of only seven members of the Navajo tribe to compete in Division I volleyball since 1986 and this weekend, she and former teammate, Kim Nash, who now suits up for the University of Arizona, will become just the third and fourth to play in the NCAA Tournament.

As a volleyball standout in Arizona, Peterson competed with the only all-Native American club team in the country.  The Navajo Juniors, led by long-time coach Rich Foley, traveled across America in order for Peterson and her teammates to experience life outside of the reservation.  In 2001 the Navajo Juniors claimed the Arizona state title and were featured in national publications such as Sports Illustrated, the USA Today, and the New York Times.

Peterson also enjoyed a stellar career at Ganado High School, where she led the Hornets to a state title as a junior.  For her efforts the middle blocker earned the All-Area Player of the Year award given by the Gallup Independent, the Navajo Times Player of the Year, and all-state first team honors for the second straight season.

After finishing her time at Ganado, Melissa joined the team at Arizona Western.  She was recruited by former Matador head coach James Finley, who is now in his first season at VCU.

“In completing my recruiting class for 2003, Melissa was targeted based on her exceptional athleticism and leadership,” said Finley.  “She showed great court vision, which you don’t see often in young American players.  She immediately impacted the team at Arizona Western and proved to be a great utility player, which is one reason we brought her to VCU.  Melissa possesses the all the tools we need to be successful.”

Peterson now logs kills for the Rams, while former teammate Kim Nash suits up for the University of Arizona.  Peterson and Nash both played for Coach Foley on the Navajo juniors club team before sharing the spotlight at Arizona Western.  According to Foley, who is also a Native American, the success of both girls will help open the door for more Navajo players in Division I volleyball.  The Rams will take on Purdue this Friday, while Nash’s Wildcats square off against Utah State in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.

Peterson’s name is surfacing near the top of other lists as well.  In a match against Liberty on October 25, Peterson garnered a spectacular 17 kills on just 18 attempts, which translated to a .944 hitting percentage.  That accomplishment tied the second highest mark in NCAA history for players with 15 to 19 attempts. 

“It was a spectacular game for her,” said Foley.  “It was great for Melissa and for the Navajo Tribe.  There aren’t very many Native Americans who hold national volleyball records.”

The 2005 campaign has seen the junior post her name in the Ram’s record book as well.  Peterson’s 126 total blocks and .303 hitting percentage both rank third on VCU’s single season list for their respective categories.  After great performances against Georgia State and UNC Wilmington in the final week of the season, Melissa was rewarded with her first Colonial Athletic Association player of the week honor.

"I do everything not only for my team, but for everyone on the reservation as well," said Peterson. "They're all excited. There aren't a lot of people who know what this is all about. They all know about basketball because it's much bigger there, but when they do find out they get really excited. I've been getting a lot of calls lately."

Look for Melissa on the hardwood this winter as well.  At the conclusion of the NCAA volleyball tournament, she will suit up for the women’s basketball team as VCU’s only dual-sport athlete.

"Basketball will be nice too," commented Peterson, "because it's big on the reservation and it's a really nice thought to know that it sets a standard that says if I can do it, others can as well."