Keiser, a native of Marion, Ohio, was a four-time Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference selection and earned a spot on the All-Central District Team as a freshman. She also took third-place at the McDonalds and CSB 5K run in 2005 in Upper Sandusky. Her personal best in the 5K is 21:02.

"I have been watching Melissa run for a long time, and it is exciting to finally have an opportunity to coach her,” said MVNU coach Chip Wilson. "Through my observation of her, I think she is just beginning to realize what kind of runner she could be. She had a solid high school running experience, and I believe this will carry over for her at the college level. If she remains focused on running and continues a positive work ethic, she will have an outstanding freshman season.”

"I am also excited about Melissa choosing MVNU because of the kind of person that she is,” Wilson added. "She is a very involved person who will not only benefit our team as a runner but also through her personality.”

In addition to running cross country, Keiser was a two-year member of National Honor Society as well as an Academic All-Ohio selection.

"There are several reasons why I chose MVNU,” said Keiser of her college choice. "MVNU is a school where I can get a great education in a Christian atmosphere. I can also continue running cross country as well as participating in cheerleading.”

The MVNU cross country program was reborn in the fall of 2006 after not having a program since the 1979 season. The Lady Cougars have been competitive in their first three seasons back on the college cross country map as evidenced by the team’s results as MVNU finished 13th at the American Mideast Conference meet in 2008 and 17th at the National Christian College Athletic Association meet.