Melissa Gliddon is the founder of West Georgia Nightmare Fastpitch and Game with Gliddon, where she has built her coaching career around developing athletes both on and off the field. Originally from Richmond, Texas, Melissa grew up with a deep love for softball and went on to play at a high level as a shortstop, outfielder, and utility player. After graduating from William B. Travis High School, she continued her career at Trinity Valley Community College, where she was part of the first team in school history to advance to the NJCAA National Tournament and earned all-region and all-conference recognition. She later signed with West Texas A&M before stepping away from college softball due to the demands of her engineering path. Even though her playing career changed directions, her passion for the game never did. Melissa turned that love into coaching and instruction, growing from part-time lessons into a respected program built on relationships, development, and high standards. With years of coaching experience across private lessons, team instruction, and travel ball, she is known for pouring into athletes with honesty, energy, and purpose. Her coaching style blends accountability, confidence-building, softball IQ, strong fundamentals, and a genuine investment in each player as a person.

Melissa’s philosophy is rooted in more than performance. She believes in building tough, smart, versatile athletes while also creating an environment where players feel supported, challenged, and genuinely cared for. She is passionate about helping girls grow in their skills, their mindset, and their belief in what they are capable of accomplishing.