Melissa Funsten

Melissa Funsten is originally from Raleigh, NC. After picking up a field hockey stick for the first time in 7th grade, Melissa made her school’s varsity team in 8th grade, starting every game and becoming one of the team’s leading points holders. She also played competitively for the TarDevils. By the time she graduated high school, Melissa was two-time Conference Player of the Year, one-time All-Region, three-time All-State, three-time All-Conference, and held the school record for career points.

In 2012, Melissa went on to play for Davidson College. There, she started every game as a midfielder in her four-year career, totaling 54 points (20 goals and 14 assists). During her tenure as a Wildcat, Melissa was a three-time All-Conference player, served as two-time team captain, and was selected to play in the Division I Senior All-Star game. Melissa was also her team’s leading scorer and points leader as a sophomore and was twice voted team Offensive Player of the Year.

Melissa’s coaching career has spanned many years and many states. She started coaching camps her senior year of high school, and went on to coach Futures (now known as Nexus) and as an assistant for her former club team: TarDevils. Melissa also coaches the Kent Denver Sun Devils; in her debut season as head coach of the JV team in 2022, the Sun Devils won every game but one.

Melissa has been a part of the Colorado Bears coaching staff since its inception in November 2020. Most recently, she coached the Interscholastic Middle School team this fall and is excited to further her contributions as the 2023 U14 Travel Team Coach.