Melissa Nakasuji enters her third season as Chowan's Head Women's Lacrosse Coach.
In 2017, Nakasuji compiled a program best 5-10 overall record and 3-7 in the program's first ever season in Conference Carolinas. The Hawks finished seventh in the standings. Nakasuji helped Alexandria Hammonds garner the program's first Conference Carolinas All-Conference selection.
During the 2016 season the Hawks finished with a 1-13 record. In 2015, Nakasuji produced the DII All-Independent Player of the Year, Mackenzie Reid. Reid, in addition to fellow teammates Sierra Burston and Adriea Herndon, also received DII All-Independent honors. The Hawks went 4-8 during the 2015 season.
Prior to taking the reins at Chowan, Nakasuji served a two-year coaching stint at Adrian College; first as an assistant coach, and then as head coach. She helped guide the program to two-straight MIAA regular season and tournament championships (2013, 2014), including a combined 18-0 conference record and 29-9 overall record. Adrian would secure a berth to the DIII NCAA Tournament in both seasons. In 2014, Nakasuji coached eight All-MIAA players, two All-Region selections and the MIAA Offensive Player of the Year and MIAA Rookie of the Year.
Before coaching at Adrian, Nakasuji coached highly successful elite club programs in Ontario, Canada. She also gained valuable coaching experience through an internship at Limestone College under the guidance of head coach, Scott Tucker.
Nakasuji competed at Limestone College from 2008-2011. She led the Lady Saints to four consecutive Conference Carolinas Regular Season and Tournament Championships. The squad made NCAA Division II Tournament appearances each of her four years at Limestone and played in the National Championship final her senior year.
As a four-year starter for the Lady Saints, she competed in 79 games and compiled 61 ground balls, 24 draw controls and 20 caused turnovers. During Nakasuji’s playing career, the Lady Saints collected an impressive 70 wins. In 2011, she was recognized with All-American Honorable Mention honors and was selected to the prestigious IWLCA North-South All-Star Game. She earned All-Conference Carolinas recognition twice (2010, 2011) and earned All-Tournament honors in 2011.
Nakasuji graduated from the Limestone College in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Strength and Conditioning. She obtained a minor in Coaching from Limestone. Nakasuji would go on to receive a bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in 2012.
The Ajax, Ontario, Canada native currently resides in Murfreesboro, N.C. with her son Hudson.
