--Courtesy of Cal Lutheran Athletics--

Melissa Skiba was a dual-sport athlete for the Cal Lutheran cross country and track & field teams from 2012-15. She capped off an illustrious three-year career as a National Champion in the 5,000-meter run. She captured the title by clocking a 17:04.04 at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships. She earned All-American honors for the fifth time and was also named the USTFCCCA West Region Track Athlete of the Year. 

Skiba led the track and field team to its first-ever outright SCIAC Championship in 2014. She won the 800m and 1500m at the SCIAC Championships and was the runner-up for the 5000m at the NCAA Championships earning All-America honors. In cross country, she was the Regals' second-ever runner to win the SCIAC Championship. She was also the program's first-ever All-American and earned the honor twice. 

What can you say about your time at Cal Lutheran?
"I loved my time at Cal Lutheran," said Skiba. "I enjoyed the small school atmosphere. It was very personal, and everyone was treated like they mattered."

What are some of your favorite memories?
"My favorite memories were practicing and competing with our track team. Everyone on the team was so kind and supportive of one another. I still keep in touch with many and consider them lifelong friends."

What have you been up to since graduation?
"Since graduation, I have been teaching 4th and 5th graders with Simi Valley Unified. I have been having a lot of fun getting to teach, coach our Jr. Olympics track team, and run our school's K Kids program."
 

---

Follow the SCIAC on Threads (@theSCIAC), X - formerly Twitter (@theSCIAC) and Instagram (@thesciac) with hashtags #SCIACtion and #SoCalSoGood. Watch most SCIAC games, matches, and meets online via mobile devices and on OTT apps - Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire TV, and Android - search for 'SCIAC' and download the channel.