Herb Melendez began as an assistant coach of the New York University softball team prior to the 2019 campaign. His main responsibilities include working with the outfielders and assisting in recruiting.
In his inaugural season, Melendez helped lead the Violets to a 20-13 mark and a best-ever 8-9 finish in University Athletic Association (UAA) play, which included two victories over eventual NCAA Division III Championship runner-up, Emory University.
Many players were recognized for their outstanding contributions in 2019. The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) bestowed Second Team All-Northeast honors to senior Diana King as well as Third Team accolades to senior Ashley Mains and freshman Serena Ponciano. Mains, Ponciano and freshman Maggie Swan also received Second Team All-UAA honors, while Swan was also named Honorable Mention All-ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference).
Prior to his arrival at NYU, Melendez coached at the New York Institute of Technology from 2016-18, helping the players train in all aspects of the game while also being responsible for all phases of recruiting. He began as an assistant before eventually taking the role of interim head coach. The Bears posted an overall 71-59 record during his three seasons and earned an NCAA Division II Tournament berth in 2017.
In 2012 and 2013, Melendez was an assistant and then interim head coach for Felician University, where he specialized in hitting instruction and assisted with recruiting. He also worked as a volunteer assistant coach for St. John’s University from 2010-12.
In addition to his college experience, Melendez has worked with the LI Sudden Impact Travel Team (2009-11), the Queens Nassau Comets 12u Travel Team (2008-09), the Levittown Athletic Club Travel Team (2005-08), and with Island Trees Baseball from 2002-05.
In 2011, Melendez founded the non-profit LI Pride Organization and Teams, where he was responsible for overseeing budgeting, fundraising and training, all with the goal of furthering players’ skills and help preparing them for college recruitment.
Currently pursuing a degree in sports management at the University of Southern New Hampshire, Melendez is a native of Brooklyn, NY, and resides in Levittown, NY.
