Melissa Hay came to Methodist in 2004 following a successful stint in a similar position at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh.
Hay brings 19 years of coaching experience to Methodist’s nationally ranked cheerleading program. After relocating to the Pittsburgh area, the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown graduate coached six seasons at Our Lady of Sacred Heart High School. There, Hay paced the Our Lady of Sacred Heart team to five straight top 10 finishes at the Pennsylvania State Cheerleading Championships. In addition to Our Lady of Sacred Heart, Hay was also head coach at West Allegheny High School and the Pittsburgh West All-Stars.
Over the years, Hay has conducted cheerleading and gymnastic classes for cheerleaders of various ages. A former NCA Staff Instructor, she has choreographed material and competition routines for teams of all levels. Her judging experience includes local, regional, national and international competitions.
Since joining the Methodist staff, Hay has coached the Monarchs to numerous top-10 finishes at national competitions. In 2005, she was a National Coach of the Year finalist and in 2009 was named to the Who's Who of College Cheerleading Coaches.
Since helping to bring back a conference championship, the Monarchs have won the title once (2009) and finished second twice. Hay has been instrumental in the initiation and development of stunt. She also leads the team in a number of community service projects including Special Olympics competitions and local cheer clinics.
Hay received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Pittsburgh-Johnstown in 1989, and her Master of Arts degree in Student Development from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1991. Prior to her arrival at Robert Morris, Hay was Assistant Director of Student Activities at Saint Francis College and has worked in resident life at both Indiana (Penn.) and Robert Morris. Recently, she received her Social Science Professional Teaching Certificate from Robert Morris.
As the Director of Spirit Programs, Hay coordinates the game-day and spirit activities of the Cheer and Dance teams, the marching band and the mascot. The Monarchs' mascot, "King" has became an integral part of the spirit programs through Hay's development in 2006. Hay was also behind implementing the Monarch March and Monarch Zone in 2007.
