Melissa Bush is entering her second year as Head Cross Country Coach at Wesleyan College.

In her first season guiding the Pioneer harriers, Bush helped accelerate the development of Belle Thomas, one fo the top runners in the Great South Athletic Conference. She placed second at the 2009 GSAC Championship and nearly handed the College its first conference title.

Academics also proved to be an important part of the program. Two Pioneers earned GSAC All-Academic honors and five received Dean's List acknowledgement from Wesleyan.

Bush also serves as Facility Manager and Program Assistant for the Department of Athletics.

Bush is an avid runner who has been involved with the sport for the last 12 years. A certified personal trainer, she has competed in a number of 5K road races is currently training for her first half marathon.

Her training experience has covered a wide range of athletes from runners to football players. She holds certification from International Sports and Sciences as well as serving as a Personal Training Instructor for the American Professional Institute. Some of her focuses with clients include weight loss, strength, flexibility, balance, endurance and speed.