Nova Southeastern University Athletics

AS A SOPHOMORE (2013)
Flourished after taking over the 1B position full-time midway through the season, finishing the year with a .345 average with a team-high .609 slugging percentage…Was named SSC Player of the Week after his efforts against No. 6 Tampa…In the series finale against the Spartans (4/27), hit two grand slams for an eight-RBI performance…Had four three-hit games on the season, including back-to-back games against Florida Southern (4/12, 4/14)…Had multiple hits in five straight games (4/26-5/4), and a season-long hitting streak of nine games (4/20-5/10)…Besides the eight-RBI game, also had four RBI against Rollins (5/4) and three against Florida Southern (4/12)…In the game against Rollins (5/4), was 3-for-5 with two home runs, two runs scored and those four RBI…Despite only playing 36 games (only 27 starts), finished second on the team in batting average and home runs (six), was third in doubles (11) and fourth in RBI (28)…Defensively, finished second on the team in putouts (205) and had a .978 fielding percentage.

AS A FRESHMAN (2012)
Started two games, both at DH, while also playing 1B in his first year as a Shark…Batted .167, with three hits…His first hit came against Philadelphia (3/13)…Also had singles in back-to-back appearances against Palm Beach Atlantic (4/13-14)…Did not commit an error in 29 total chances at 1B

HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Charles W. Flanagan for coach Ray Evans...Batted .408 his senior season with six home runs, 28 RBI and 21 runs scored…Also was 9-3 on the mound, with a 1.80 ERA, striking out 59 hitters while only walking 12…Threw eight complete games and three shutouts…Named twice to the All-Broward First Team by the Miami Herald, and was chosen All-Broward First Team (2011) and Second Team (2010) by the Sun Sentinel…Also was a 2011 FACA All-State selection, District 12-6A Player of the Year for BHSB, and the Miami Herald Pitcher of the Year for 5A-6A.

PERSONAL
Born in Miami…Exercise and sport science major…Most memorable athletic achievement was winning the 2010 National Championship…Loves to eat rice and beans…Favorite TV show is Dexter…Historically, favorite person is Ted Williams…Son of John Melendez and Annabel Rivera, and has one younger brother, Brandon.