Blake Mellinger enters his first season at the helm of the men's basketball program at UVa-Wise in 2013-14. Mellinger was given the reins of the program on November 7th when he repalaced veteran coach Lee Clark who stepped down amid health concerns.
On accepting the position, Mellinger stated "I would like to thank Director of Athletics Danny Sterling, Chancellor Henry, and Vice Chancellor Sim Ewing for having the confidence in me to lead our basketball program as we continue to grow not only as a basketball program but as a college. I'm really excited about the future of our basketball program as we transistion to NCAA Division II and the Mountain East Conference. With our facility and commitment from the institution, I believe we can be a succesful basketball team."
Previously, Mellinger spent six years as the top assistant and recruiting coordinator for the program. Over that tenure, Mellinger spearheaded the recruiting efforts for the Cavalier program, and assisted in leading the program to its second AAC conference championship and national tournament appearance in 2010. In addition to his recruiting responsibilities; Mellinger was also responsible for developing game plans and strategies, on floor coaching, scheduling, team travel, day to day operations, monitoring team compliance and academics, scouting of opponents, individual player development, setting up community service projects, and assisting in the coordination of team camp.
Mellinger is no stranger to the game of basketball. Having a father and grandfather as coaches, as he has become a third generation coach in the Mellinger family.
In addition to his time spent with the Cavalier program, he has worked various basketball camps across the southeast. He has served on camp staffs at Wofford College, Clemson University, Charleston Southern University, The University of South Carolina, and Virginia Tech.
A native of Glade Spring, Va, Mellinger was a three sport athlete at Patrick Henry High School, lettering in basketball, football, and track & field. After completing his career at Patrick Henry, Mellinger accepted an offer to play at NCAA division II Limestone College in Gaffney, SC where he played for Coach Larry Epperly from 2001-2003. He then transferred to UVA-Wise and played for Coach Lee Clark from 2003-2005. Blake served as a team captain and went on to become an all conference player as a senior.
Mellinger received his bachelor's degree in business administration from UVa-Wise in 2006. The coach and his wife Amy have a newborn son Mason. The family lives in Abingdon, Va.
