OLYMPIA, Wash. – Melissa Blanke (Jr., G) from The Evergreen State College women's basketball team is the Evergreen Featured Athlete of the Week for May 21, 2026.  Blanke saw action in 14 games during the 2025-26 season.

Prior to arriving at Evergreen, Blanke played basketball at Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, Washington. She also competed in basketball at Ferndale High School in Ferndale, Washington.

"My responsibility on the court is being a team player," Blanke said. "This means to control what I can to the best of my ability and to position my teammates in the best spots possible. As a guard, this means to be communicative, frequently move off the ball, crash the boards, and contain guard movement defensively."

Blanke remains a team player when she's not on the court as well. She's an active supporter of her teammates when she's on the bench, and she's also active during practices.

"My top strengths as a basketball player are my heart and mentality," Blanke affirmed. "I want to explore all that the game of basketball has to offer. The pursuit of finding out what it takes to experience such growth is invigorating."

As a basketball player at Whatcom CC, Blanke enjoyed her efforts at the two-year college level. She also worked at learning the game.

"What I remember most about playing at Whatcom is the work I put in to find out what it takes to be a good teammate and to learn how to be a better player," Blanke recalled. "I remember my teammates and how they inspired me to be the best I can be."

Blanke sought a unique learning environment when she was deciding where to play basketball as a junior and a senior in college. Evergreen stood out.

"I decided to attend The Evergreen State College because of their evaluation system and comprehensive programs," Blanke said. "I believe Evergreen's approach to education gives me more opportunities to get in touch with communities and exercise life applicable skills."

It didn't take long for Blanke to fit in with the Head Coach Derrick Pringle and the women's basketball team.

"What I love most about being a member of the team is the community," Blanke noted. "Connecting with my teammates, athletes, and members in the community is a great joy! I get to learn alongside other people and hear their stories. They're all my family."

Blanke has found additional ways beyond the women's basketball team to connect with Evergreen and other communities. She has worked for Game Management in Athletics and for Operations in the CRC. She's worked with Coach Pringle to provide skill training for youth in the Olympia area. Also, Blanke is participating in an internship helping Hanford McCloud prepare for the annual Canoe Journey, set for Nisqually, Washington, in July.

"With Coach Pringle, we plan to have youth skills training where Evergreen can make connections with aspiring athletes who want to reach the next level," Blanke said. "I hope to be move involved with the youth to teach them what I have learned over the years, both skill-wise and mentally, so they are equipped to take on challenges on and off the court."

Regarding preparations for the Canoe Journey, Blanke noted that "Most days are dedicated toward preparing gifts to give out during the Canoe Journey. Other days, I float around the Longhouse to help kids navigate different learning activities."

As a student at Evergreen, Blanke is interested in Education with a focus on social studies at the middle school and high school levels.

"After graduation, I anticipate taking a gap year to save money to apply to a graduate teaching program," Blanke said.