Cabrini University Athletics

Melissa Michels begins her 21st season as an assistant coach with the Cabrini women’s lacrosse team in 2020-21.

In 20 seasons alongside head coach Jackie Neary, Michels has helped lead the Cavaliers to 14 Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) and Atlantic East Conference titles and 13 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, beginning in 2002.

Michels’ coaching career began in 1998, serving as an assistant at Harvard University. Additionally, she brought head coaching experience to the Cavaliers’ sideline, leading the Fairfield University (2001) and Lehigh University (2004) women’s lacrosse programs.

Michels started her collegiate playing career at the University of Maryland, before transferring to local Temple University in 1995. With the Owls, she claimed NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team recognition in 1997, playing under head coach Kim Ciarrocca. Michels received All-America honors, team MVP accolades and twice served as team captain at Temple.

Michels earned a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology from Temple in 1997. She currently serves as a clinical research analyst for a bio-tech company.

Michels, a native of Malvern, PA, resides in Wayne, PA.