Haverhill, MA (September 6, 2023) – Northern Essex Community College Director of Athletics Dan Blair is pleased to announce the hiring of Haverhill native Melanie Tarbox as the next men's and women's track and field coach for the Knights.

Tarbox, a special education teacher in the Haverhill school system, has spent nine years on the track and field and cross-country coaching staff at Haverhill High School under long time coach Mike Maguire, who she also competed for during her high school career. She also spent six years as the head gymnastics coach for the Hillies winning two Merrimack Valley Conference championships and earning multiple coach of the year honors.

"My staff and I are excited to welcome Melanie to NECC. She is the right person at the right time to rejuvenate our track and field program. Her prior experience as a coach in the community and her student-athlete experience will be a great asset in returning our program to its prior success," commented Blair.

After her standout career at Haverhill High, Tarbox went onto a stellar four-year career at Bentley University where she ran cross country and both indoor and outdoor track and field for the Falcons before graduating with a degree in Marketing before earning a Master of Education from Merrimack College and most recently a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Endicott College.

"I'm excited to join the NECC athletic community. As the new head coach, my goal is for all athletes to strive to be their best and find success. I hope to add depth and continue to build a quality program," added Tarbox.

Tarbox currently resides Hampton, NH with her family and will begin her duties with the Knights later this month.