The Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) Athletics Department is proud to recognize its first-ever women's volleyball sophomores, Alysa O'Brien and Meleny Medina, as they prepare to close an important chapter of their collegiate careers. As members of the program's inaugural season, both athletes helped establish the foundation for TMCC volleyball and create a lasting impact on the Mighty Lizards.
Through their leadership, determination and commitment to their teammates, O'Brien and Medina played an important role in shaping the culture of a new program. As they look ahead to their next chapters, TMCC Athletics celebrates their accomplishments and the memories they created during this historic season.
The Mighty Lizards will celebrate O'Brien and Medina during their final collegiate home game on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Noon. TMCC Athletics invites fans, friends and family to come out and support the sophomores as the program recognizes their contributions and celebrates this milestone in TMCC volleyball history.
A Reno, Nevada, native and RISE Academy graduate, Alysa O'Brien joined the Mighty Lizards after previously playing at Lassen Community College. As one of TMCC volleyball's first two sophomores, O'Brien helped launch the program during its inaugural season, serving as a team captain and contributing as an outside hitter and right-side hitter.
O'Brien is pursuing an Associate of Science degree in Public Health on the Kinesiology and Sports Medicine track. After TMCC, she hopes to earn a volleyball scholarship to a four-year college, continue playing the sport she loves and pursue a master's degree in Kinesiology. Her long-term goal is to become an athletic trainer.
One of O'Brien's favorite memories was moving back to Reno in March and discovering that TMCC was starting a volleyball program. The opportunity allowed her to continue her volleyball career close to home while becoming part of something new.
O'Brien also shared her appreciation for the coaches and teammates who made her sophomore season special.
"I would like to give the biggest thanks to our coaching staff for making so many sacrifices for us and having the utmost patience with the team, and a thank you to my girls for showing up every day, pushing through adversities and not giving up. I wouldn't want to play my sophomore season out with any other group of girls. Go Lizzies," O'Brien said.
A Reno, Nevada, native and Proctor R. Hug High School graduate, Meleny Medina previously played volleyball at Lassen Community College before joining TMCC for its inaugural season. As one of the program's first two sophomores, Medina helped establish the foundation for future Mighty Lizards volleyball teams while contributing as a setter.
Medina is studying pre-nursing and plans to pursue a nursing degree, with the long-term goal of becoming a cosmetic injector. She also hopes to continue playing volleyball as she moves forward with her education and career.
Some of Medina's favorite memories from the season were sharing laughs and making memories with her teammates.
Reflecting on her experience, Medina expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of TMCC's new volleyball program and shared her hopes for the future.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity TMCC gave me, and I hope to keep playing volleyball," Medina said.
Coach Craig Choate Reflects on the Inaugural Season
Head coach Craig Choate praised both sophomores for their contributions to the program's first season, highlighting O'Brien's leadership and Medina's energy as the team worked to establish its culture.
"Both sophomores gave us what they had, and I couldn't have asked for more. Alysa was a wonderful choice as one of our captains. Meleny brought some fire to a team trying to develop a culture. I wish them both the best in wherever life takes them," Choate said.
A Historic First Season
O'Brien and Medina will always hold a special place in TMCC Athletics history as the first sophomores to come through the women's volleyball program. Their leadership, dedication and willingness to help build a new team have contributed to the foundation future generations of Mighty Lizards will continue to grow upon.
TMCC Athletics thanks O'Brien and Medina for being part of this historic first season and wishes them continued success in their academic, athletic and professional futures.
Vamos Verdes!
