MONMOUTH, Ill. — For three Fighting Scots athletic programs from 1999-2003, it was always great to have Melissa Jones as part of the team. Now, one of the top student-athletes in the history of Monmouth College’s women’s athletic program is part of another MC team – its staff of full-time coaches.

Jones, who served as a part-time assistant for the track team last spring, will see her coaching role greatly increased during the upcoming year. She will be the assistant women’s basketball coach and an assistant track coach in addition to taking on a light teaching load. Her responsibilities are likely to increase when she completes work on her master’s degree in adapted physical education at Western Illinois University next May.

“We are extremely pleased to have an individual in house with the qualities and capabilities that Melissa possesses,” said athletic director Terry Glasgow. “She is an outstanding individual, a great athlete and an outstanding role model for our student-athletes.”

Jones excelled in volleyball, basketball and track in her career at Monmouth, and was rewarded at the end of her career by winning the state NCAA Woman of the Year Award and being named a top 10 finalist for the national award.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity than coming back home to Monmouth College,” said Jones. “I certainly have the ‘Scot’ pride, and I’m looking forward to continuing my strong alliance with Monmouth from the other side of the bench. This is an amazing opportunity.”

Glasgow added, “Her enthusiasm and training in the area of adapted physical education adds a very valuable dimension and an additional flexibility to our teacher training program.”

Two of Jones’ Fighting Scot coaches will also have new responsibilities this year. Volleyball coach Kari Shimmin will add softball to her list of duties, and she will be assisted in that sport by her husband, Hank Shimmin, who also helps her coach volleyball.

Women’s basketball coach Dennis Mann will continue to prowl the sidelines on the hardwood, and he will also be back on the hardcourt, directing the women’s tennis program in the fall. Mann previously coached the team in its return to varsity action in 2002, and he stepped in at the end of last season to fill in for the interim.