Eastern Illinois University Athletics

2008: Made a nice splash as a true freshman as her .221 attack percentage led the squad... finished 142 total kills in the middle... also was a presence at the net against the opponent attack, registering 45 total roofs, including a team-high seven solo stops... had nine aces as well and 15 assists... set career bests in a variety of matches over the course of the year, including 13 kills at APSU, a .583 attack against Chicago State and 10 digs when EIU downed TSU in five sets at home.

HIGH SCHOOL: Earned three letters in volleyball and four letters in track & field at North Crowley HS for coaches Stephanie Cunningham and Donna Banks, respectively... captain of both her volleyball and track squads her senior year... three-time First team all-district honoree her sophomore thru senior seasons... earned ‘Newcomer of the Year’ award as a sophomore and ‘Outside Hitter of the Year’ her senior year... named to Hawai’i Classic all-tournament squad as a junior... also a multiple regional qualifier in track & field, specifically in the 4x200 and 4x400 relays... as a sophomore, her foursome in the 4x400 set a high school record and earning a sixth place at the state meet... her 4x400 relay squad also competed in the USATF Junior Olympics one summer... academically, she was named academic all-district three times as a sophomore, junior and senior... also earned senior academic all-state kudos... Member of the Texas Advantage volleyball club, competing in the Nationals in her 18s year.

PERSONAL: Her No. 1 sports highlight was back when she was in 8th grade, as her basketball team went undefeated and won every tournament they played in.

COACH SEGAL SAYS: “Mel is a great athlete who needs to become more of a leader on the court while also demanding more perfection of herself.”

OFF THE COURT WITH MELANIE
My major at EIU: Marketing
Daughter of: Carlton & Sandra Boykins
I was born on: May 1, 1990
One of my hidden talents: I am good at puzzles
Nickname: ‘Mel’
My favorite food dishes: Chicken, and anything my mom cooks
My advice to a younger athlete: Hard work pays off
Former EIU athlete I enjoy watching perform: Former EIU football player, Tony Romo, for Dallas Cowboys
I am currently driving: 2000 Toyota Camry
One of my favorite quotes: “Good, better, best ... never let it rest... until your good is better and your better is best” - Tim Duncan
Favorite building on campus: Booth library
My hobbies include: Shopping, hanging out with friends, watching basketball, going to see horror movies, and buying sneakers