Melissa Forbes is back where she belongs.
A Coach With Deep Roots
After two decades away from the sidelines, the veteran coach returns to Mountain Valley field hockey, a program she led from 1997 to 2021. In that time she shaped the careers of many current players’ parents and built a foundation that still influences the team today.
Beyond coaching, Forbes teaches mathematics and advises the yearbook at Mountain Valley High School, balancing her classroom duties with a renewed commitment to the program’s growth.
Reviving a Competitive Spirit
The Falcons entered last season with a promising core, yet they fell short, dropping five games by a single goal and missing the playoffs. Their 2023 and 2025 quarterfinal losses to Foxcroft Academy highlighted the need for a fresh approach.
Forbes sees the roster’s continuity as an asset. A group of returning players has spent several seasons together, giving the coach a solid base from which to experiment with roles and strategies.
First Tests on the Field
The team’s opening scrimmage is scheduled for August 24 in Dexter, followed by the regular‑season debut against Oak Hill on September 4. Both matches will serve as early gauges of the new‑look squad.
Fresh faces such as Melina Byam and Addison Libby have already bonded through shared clinics, suggesting chemistry that could translate into on‑field success.
Forbes believes her return will inject new perspectives and knowledge, helping the Falcons turn their talent into consistent results.