Justyce Swango Melendez, Chief Operating Officer for The Firm For Men, takes on new responsibilities as head girls basketball coach for Cape Henry Collegiate for the 2024-2025 winter season. This continues a long history of Melendez giving back to her community.

Melendez, an integral part of The Firm For Men, played basketball as an undergraduate for Georgetown University and Lenoir-Rhyne University. Her natural athleticism — she attended both schools on full basketball scholarships — led to her serving as three-time team captain at Lenoir-Rhyne and two seasons as assistant basketball coach at Cape Henry Collegiate.

After graduation and even as she took on new duties within The Firm For Men, Melendez made a point to give back to her community. She has served as a mentor to young adults through the AAU basketball program, volunteered for school literacy programs, helped out at area soup kitchens, and supported Toys for Tots.

Melendez credits former Cape Henry Collegiate head coach Lance Hurdle with helping to shape a strong Dolphins girls basketball program at Cape Henry, Virginia Beach’s oldest prekindergarten to grade 12 independent, college-preparatory private school.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to not only share my expertise with these amazing student-athletes, but to also learn and grow next to elite coaches and training personnel,” Melendez said. “I’m especially grateful to Coach Hurdle for his focus on establishing a successful culture for the CHC girls basketball program.”

Melendez plans to continue that culture of success for the Cape Henry Dolphins. “I have a passion and heart for leading people.” Her attitude is infectious, both at work and on the basketball court. Says Melendez, “I take pride in working hard and giving 110 percent in everything I do!”