Coach Mel Cozza – Director & National Coach, SandYard Volleyball

Coach Mel Cozza is a highly experienced and passionate volleyball coach with over 25 years of coaching experience across multiple sports. She began her coaching career in the early 2000s in Chicago, where she coached high school track and field, specializing in the high jump, before transitioning her focus fully into volleyball.

A lifelong athlete, Coach Mel started playing beach volleyball in the 1990s on the beaches of Chicago, where she developed a deep love for the sand game that continues to shape her coaching philosophy today. Her background also includes playing indoor and grass volleyball, giving her a well-rounded perspective on athlete development.

Coach Mel currently serves as the Director and National Coach for SandYard Volleyball and has coached extensively throughout the Philadelphia-area volleyball community. Her experience includes roles as a head coach for both girls and boys club teams, as well as coaching at the high school level.

Known for her athlete-first approach, Coach Mel emphasizes building complete players by focusing on fundamentals, versatility, and confidence. She is a strong advocate for early skill development and believes athletes should learn all aspects of the game before specializing. Her coaching philosophy is rooted in effort, teamwork, and a genuine love for the sport—values she instills in every player she works with.

Through her leadership at SandYard, Coach Mel continues to grow the beach volleyball community, helping athletes develop both on and off the court while fostering a competitive and supportive training environment.