Jean Melo Fernandez joined the Griffon Softball coaching staff as an assistant coach in September 2026.
Melo Fernandez brings 10 years of experience in higher education and athletics, with a background in coaching, recruiting, player development and program operations. Most recently, he served as an assistant coach at Hill College, where he assisted with recruiting, game and practice planning and individual and group instruction.
Prior to Hill, Melo Fernandez served as the head softball coach at Highland Community College during the 2023-24 season. He guided Highland to a 26-26 overall record and a postseason appearance while overseeing recruiting, game strategy and roster development.
Melo Fernandez also spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Highland from 2021-23, where he assisted with travel, team orders, game and practice planning, individual instruction and the program's strength and conditioning plan.
He previously served as a volunteer assistant coach at Bethany College during the 2020-21 season, helping with the pitching staff as the program earned a fourth-place finish at the NAIA Softball World Series.
In addition to his coaching experience, Melo Fernandez served as Sports Information Director at Highland Community College, where he maintained statistics, promoted student-athletes, produced press releases, created graphics and managed the athletics website.
Melo Fernandez earned both his bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from Monroe College. He is fluent in English and Spanish.
