Former Student Athletes Share Memories of Melissa Vanderhall

Mel..my warm up partner, beach partner, workout partner, roommate on the road, bus mate, teammate, but the most cherished role she played was friend. She was a loyal and true friend. The way she lived her life challenged me to be a better woman. She was humble and put others before herself. She was tough and persevered yet kind, compassionate, and fun-loving. She worked hard, even when no one was watching. She loved deeply and fiercely. I love you, Mel. You sure did change my life.

Kaleigh Bowman (Cunningham), teammate

On the court, Melissa would intimidate and command your attention. But off it, she was fun-loving and accepting of anyone she met. She epitomized perseverance and dedication, she looked for ways to serve others, and she wanted to earn anything she received. Melissa, I'll be forever grateful for your friendship to my bride and your example to all of us on how to live a resilient life.

-Josh Bowman, fellow UT athlete

Melissa is the best person that I have met thus far in my life. She was the best teammate, friend, daughter, sibling, woman I know. The one memory that I can't get out of my head is when we were in Europe and at a restaurant and all of sudden there was a smell that came over us and it was disgusting. We started cracking up and had to get out of the restaurant as fast as possible. Melissa brightened up everyone's world the minute she walked in the room. Everyone loved Melissa even if you only met her one time. She will be missed but never forgotten, she is so loved and will live through everyone forever!!

- Julie Howlett, teammate

Melissa was such a fierce competitor and an amazingly gifted athlete. My experience at Tampa would never have been the same without her next to me on the court.

Melissa was one of the happiest, funniest, most honest women I've ever known. Her bright energy radiated out of her, and instantly lifted up anyone in the room. She had an ability to make the silliest jokes when people needed laughter the most, and I'm honored to have the privilege of being her teammate and friend.

- Kady Bruce, teammate

As I cry about the loss of my friend and teammate, I can't help but smile and laugh about all the good times we shared together! Melissa embodied what it meant to a good friend and teammate. She will be greatly missed but live on in each of us.

- Janae Nelson, teammate

Mel's smile could light up any room. Everyone gravitated towards her because she was so fun to be around. She was an awesome teammate and leader. I learned so much from her as a player and still draw from those lessons now as a coach. She will be greatly missed.

-Kaylee Koetter, teammate

Her smile was infectious and could literally walk in any room and light it up.

-Rashad Callaway, fellow UT athlete

Prayers to the families involved in this terrible tragedy. Melissa Vanderhall was an amazing athlete and person. Glad I had the opportunity to get to know her and support her talents in college at UT... I will never understand why bad things happen to great people. RIP Melissa.

- Marissa Mohammed, fellow UT athlete

My heart hurts. She filled the room with light with her smile and her energy. An incomparable athlete. Her humility and simplicity characterized her. How sad. Rest in peace Melissa Vanderhall.

- Camilla Saade, teammate

Each one of her teammates feels as if Mel was their best friend, because she was. She had a gift for making people feel so loved and so special, and through this gift, she changed our lives. Mel had a knack for living that we will forever hold onto and a perspective that permeated everyone she knew, and it will be an honor to continue to share her with everyone we meet.

-Margeaux Sinibaldi, teammate

I was blessed to have had this beautiful woman as a friend, teammate and fellow physician assistant. I will cherish all the memories we shared and pray that you forever Rest In Peace with God and your parents who loved you so much.

-Tarah Marinelli, teammate

The world has lost a beautiful person today. Melissa Vanderhall, I will always remember your infectious smile, your energy for life and of course your unparalleled talent on the court. We will all miss you!

-Annalea Warren, teammate

This is truly a devastating moment. RIP to Melissa Vanderhall. She was one of the best people I met at the University of Tampa and an amazing athlete that inspired everyone who watched her perform. UT athletics is a family and she was a big part of that. I can't remember the last time I cried this much. This is heartbreaking news.

-Stanley Calixte, fellow UT athlete

Melissa Vanderhall was the joy of UT, pure joy. Her smile made you feel happy, happy to be alive. I love her. She was hope and strength. Melissa, I love you, rest in peace. You're with your mom.

-Gabriela Saade, teammate

Melissa was not only a phenomenal athlete, but an amazing person. She was kind, dedicated and worked very hard. Out of many stressful times, I remember talking to her, joking with her, being silly with her, all while getting through everything. Suddenly forgetting about anything negative in front of me. She lit up a room and she will forever light up our hearts.

-Alisha Green, teammate

I remember watching Melissa play when I was in middle school and she was the type of athlete I aspired to be. But what was more impressive was the type of teammate and person she was. Although I never had the good fortune of being her teammate, her legacy as a paragon of grace and benevolence will live on in my memory forever.

-Berkley Whaley, former UT player

Melissa believed in me. She believed I was funny, so I wanted to make her laugh. She believed I could hit a ball, so I worked harder as her teammate. She believed I would get into dental school, and now, I am a dentist. Melissa believed in my friendship, so I gave her my word. Melissa's positivity was so pure, it inspired everyone around her to become their best self. My life is now missing a friend that opened my eyes to so much good. I must keep my heart open, as she believed I could.

-Eva Dupay, teammate