The following was printed on Doug Mello's HOF
plaque:
Doug Mello came to Siena Heights in 1983 after spending four
years coaching at his alma mater, Aquinas College, where he was a
four-year standout. He received a master’s degree from
Siena Heights in 1986. Mello started both the men’s and
women’s soccer programs at Siena Heights University and
quickly turned them into nationally-ranked teams in the
1980’s.
In his six years as the Saints’ men’s coach,
Mello led Siena Heights to five district titles, one regional
championship, and their first appearance at the NAIA National
Championship Tournament in 1985.
In 1986, Mello started the women’s soccer program at
Siena Heights and immediately turned them into a national
power. From 1986-88, the Saints won three district titles and
were nationally ranked all three years. In his final season
in 1988, the women’s team was ranked #1 in the country and
made its first appearance at the NAIA National Championship
Tournament, where they placed third.
During his tenure as the SHU men’s and women’s
soccer coach, Mello was named District Coach-of-the-Year five times
and Area VI Coach-of-the-Year three times.
