Newcomers, Part V: Melissa & Adam

This is the fifth and final installment of our series which introduces the newest faces of The Mount's women's basketball program. We have two new members of the coaching staff this season: Assistant Coach Melissa Kolbe and Director of Operations Adam Surguine.

Melissa Kolbe
I began my journey at The Mount in June.  It has been a whirlwind with recruiting, practice and getting acclimated to the Mount St. Mary’s community, but I have loved every minute of it.

The Mount is the fourth Division I university I have coached at and I am entering my 14th year of coaching at this level.  I came to The Mount from Eastern Kentucky University where I was the recruiting coordinator and most recently worked with the post players.  I was fortunate enough to coach the 4th leading scorer, the leading rebounder & all-time double-doubles leader in program history during my years at EKU.  Prior to EKU, I coached at East Carolina University and was a part of the program’s 2nd ever trip to the NCAA Tournament.  We finished the 2007 season as C-USA Tournament Champions and advanced to the NCAA Tournament where we played National Runner-up Rutgers.  I had a variety of responsibilities while at ECU and worked specifically with the guards.

My Division I experience began at Mercer University and before that my coaching career began while I was a graduate assistant coach at Valdosta State University.  I have worked at a variety of institutions and am looking forward to helping the Mount women’s basketball program continue to grow and become a force not only within the NEC but also regionally.

Adam Surguine
I am beginning my first year at the Mount as Director of Operations.  Originally from Laurel, MD, I have spent the last 8 years in Lancaster, PA, both as a student and as an Assistant Coach at Lancaster Bible College.  My wife Amanda and I have been married since March 2011. She is a physical therapy assistant JVS Rehab in Columbia, and we have a dog named Diesel who always keeps us entertained.  

Cutting down the nets after LBC's NEAC championship.

In my role, I handle administrative work on the team, such as, film exchange, travel, community service and male practice players among many other things.  My job is to help this team run more effectively and more efficiently.  

Me with my wife Amanda, who played basketball at Howard Community College

I am loving my time at the Mount so far.  It is a great university with great people.  This team is tremendous, their work ethic is excellent.  It is truly a family.