UMD Athletics

GETTING TO KNOW MELISSA:
Why I Chose UMD: I choose UMD because the team had some major success and I wanted to take part in that success. 
Influences On My Athletic Career: My brother Jeremy has helped me improve so much through out the years. He believes in me more than I believe in myself sometimes which is really nice. Also my high school coaches are some of my biggest influences because I wouldn't have realized my potential without them. They helped me grow my mental toughness as well.
What Most People Don't Know About Me: I have had a pet turtle
Pre-Meet Ritual or Superstition: I always like to listen to music before and talk to myself mentally to prepare myself
Favorite Professional Athlete: I like all the elite distance female runners. They all inspire me. However Jenny Simpson is my favorite. I have created my own motto that I tell myself to pump myself up. I say “Just like Jenny”.
Sport Id like to Try Someday: I would probably go back to playing hockey or maybe gymnastics

HIGH SCHOOL:
High School Attended: Wayzata High School
Years Lettered/Compete with Varsity: 4 year letter winner competed with varsity for 3.5 years was top 7 for last 2 years. Was all state academic.
High School Highlights: Being part of the 2014 state championship winning team. On the 2014 6th place Nike cross nationals team. Competed at true team state for track.
Head Coach: Dave Emmans, co-coached with Addy Hallen.

PERSONAL:
Parents: Daughter of Peggy Heidemann and Theron Drenckhahn. Step-Daughter of Jim Heidemann and Lori Drenckhahn
Sibblings: Sister to Jeremy and Nathan Drenckhahn, Step-sister to Ali Heidemann and Kaylin Garavalia
Place of Birth: Minneapolis MN