Melissa Sherwood was named head coach of the St. Bonaventure women's soccer program in January 2025. Sherwood arrives at St. Bonaventure following multiple head coaching stints at Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference schools, most recently at Mount St. Mary's.
Sherwood becomes the 13th head coach in the more than 40-year history of St. Bonaventure women's soccer.
Sherwood spent three seasons at The Mount, guiding the program to the MAAC Tournament semifinals in her second season at the helm. She coached three All-MAAC selections in her time in Emmitsburg, MD.
Prior to Mount St. Mary's, Sherwood served as associate head coach at Northwestern State during the 2021 season, where she helped guide the program to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2005.
Sherwood spent four seasons at Saint Peter's from 2016-2019, leading the program to a MAAC Tournament appearance in 2017.
She started her coaching career as the head coach at Immaculata High School in New Jersey (2012-15) and on the club scene as the director of female club soccer at Advanced Total Soccer Coaching (2011-14).
As a player, Sherwood competed at England's top college program (Leeds Metropolitan University) as part of a 10-year playing career with sides such as Leeds United, Huddersfield Town, Preston North End, Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield among others. Leeds Metropolitan won the BUCS national championship in 2008 and won their conference in every season with Sherwood. Sherwood also played professionally for leagues in Australia (Central Coast Mariners) and the United States (North Jersey Valkyries).
What they're saying about Melissa Sherwood
"I have watched Melissa develop as a coach for the past 10 years. She did a very good job at St. Peters and The Mount in the MAAC, built two competitive programs and earned the respect of her peers. She is a very competitive, passionate and knowledgeable coach who will do well at St. Bonaventure. I wish her nothing but success in her new role."
-- Dave Clarke, Head Coach Quinnipiac University
"Mel knows the game inside and out. She just has an innate knowledge of the game. Mel also has a special knack for developing relationships with this era of student-athletes. Her coach development is fantastic, always pursing to be the best she can be. 100 percent home run for St. Bonaventure, can't wait to see what she does."
-- Stuart Gore, Head Coach Troy University
"Melissa has worked her way through the ranks of collegiate coaching. The Atlantic 10 is a great conference in which her team will be prepared, organized, and fighting in every match. I am excited for Melissa to take the Bonnies to the next level."
-- Dr. Krissy Turner, Head Coach UPenn
