MANCHESTER, N.H. – Saint Anselm College Vice President for Athletics Daron Montgomery has announced the appointment of Melissa Ouellet '15 as the interim head coach of the women's volleyball program, effective immediately. The news comes following the departure of Braden Zamore after eight seasons as head coach.

In addition, current assistant coaches Melissa Jewett '15 and James Keane will remain on staff for the 2023 season. A search will commence at the conclusion of the season.

"We are quite proud of the success Hawks Volleyball has achieved during Coach Zamore's tenure," said Montgomery, "We all wish Braden the best as he moves forward to the next chapter of his coaching career.
 
"We are grateful that all three assistant coaches have agreed to remain on staff for the upcoming season and appreciate their commitment to the student-athlete experience. The program is in good hands under their leadership."

During his eight years on the Hilltop, Zamore took the women's volleyball program to new heights, leading the Hawks to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in school history (2017) and three more appearances over the following four seasons (no season in 2020 due to COVID) including first round wins in 2019 and 2022. Zamore amassed a program-record 124 wins, including 57 in Northeast-10 Conference play.

Ouellet, a four-year member of the Hawks volleyball team from 2011-14, joined the staff as an assistant coach prior to the 2022 season. She also serves as the program's recruiting coordinator. Before returning to the Hilltop as a coach, Ouellet had coaching stints with the Elite-Z Volleyball Club and the Latitude 42 Volleyball Club.

Jewett, a four-year member of the program from 2011-14, enters her fourth season as an assistant coach for Saint Anselm in 2023. Serving as an assistant coach for the Smash Volleyball Club since graduating from high school, Jewett has also aided several travel teams, youth programs and summer camps.

Keane is in his eighth season on the bench for the Hawks in 2023. Prior to Saint Anselm, Keane was the technical director and 18s travel coach of American Volleyball Club in Bristow, Virginia.

The Saint Anselm volleyball team begins preseason practice August 14 and opens the season at home on Saturday, September 2 with a pair of matches against Saint Michael's and Georgian Court.