Fredericksburg FC adds Melyssa Via to coaching staff

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Fredericksburg FC has welcomed Melyssa Via to the club as an assistant coach with the Academies Programs where she will work directly with Academies Director Mayowa Owolabi.

Via is a native of Stafford, Va., where she currently still resides. A 2008 graduate of North Stafford High School, she went on to graduate from Germanna Community College with an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education in 2011. Has a son, Camden, who currently participates in FFC Pre-Academy (U5-6) program.

The 28-year-old has previously worked with Stafford Soccer as a volunteer coach for the past five-plus years. Her coaching spark was lit after a coaching stint with her father and brother. Via plans to look into furthering her coaching education through VYSA’s various course offerings.

Via played travel soccer in northern Virginia as a youth until injuries sidelined her at age 16. Since recovering and reigniting her passion for the game, she returned to playing in various coed indoor and outdoor adult leagues both at Fredericksburg Field House and through Stafford Soccer.

“I am most looking forward to learning from the amazing coaching staff I get to coach with, expanding my own coaching knowledge and being a part of a great club to influence so many kids learning to have confidence, have fun and love the game of soccer like I do myself,” Via said.

Owolabi said her knowledge of the game and familiarity with coaching at this level will be an asset to the club.

“Melyssa is a great addition to the club’s Academy staff,” Owolabi said. “She has experience coaching in Stafford Soccer, so to bring her in, we are excited to be adding an experienced coach with a background of coaching youth players.”