University of Minnesota Athletics
2025-26 Women's Rowing Roster
Melina Cha
- Class:
- Sophomore
- Height:
- 4-11
- High School:
- Apple Valley HS
- Hometown:
- Lakeville, Minn.
2025-26 | SOPHOMORE
• Served as a coxswain at one regatta during her first year with the Gophers
• Made her collegiate rowing debut at the season-opening Head of the Mississippi Regatta (Oct. 4), guiding the 1N8 boat to a third-place performance
PREVIOUS
• Transferred to the University of Minnesota from Augsburg University
HIGH SCHOOL
• Graduated Summa cum laude from Apple Valley High School in 2024
• Earned four varsity letters with the Eagles' soccer team and once on the golf team
• Landed on the soccer Section All-Tournament Team in 2022
• Given the Julie Hovanes Memorial Award and received the Captain Award while on the AVHS soccer team as a senior in 2024
• Also lettered in student council and National Honor Society and four times in academics
• Twice named to the Academic All-Section Tournament Team in soccer
• Competed with the BVU Soccer Club from 2021-23 as well as the Lakeville Soccer Club from 2023-24
PERSONAL
• Daughter of Jay and Janete Cha
• Has an older brother, Evan
• Enjoys traveling, working out, being outdoors, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog
• Also likes to play soccer, golf, guitar, and piano during her spare time
• Taught herself how to do a backflip and can solve a Rubik's cube
• Chose the University of Minnesota because "I wanted to attend a larger school with endless opportunities. I liked the atmosphere and the idea of being a part of a big, diverse student population. Additionally, both of my parents are alumni, and my older brother is a student here so being a Gopher just felt right!"
• Served as a coxswain at one regatta during her first year with the Gophers
• Made her collegiate rowing debut at the season-opening Head of the Mississippi Regatta (Oct. 4), guiding the 1N8 boat to a third-place performance
PREVIOUS
• Transferred to the University of Minnesota from Augsburg University
HIGH SCHOOL
• Graduated Summa cum laude from Apple Valley High School in 2024
• Earned four varsity letters with the Eagles' soccer team and once on the golf team
• Landed on the soccer Section All-Tournament Team in 2022
• Given the Julie Hovanes Memorial Award and received the Captain Award while on the AVHS soccer team as a senior in 2024
• Also lettered in student council and National Honor Society and four times in academics
• Twice named to the Academic All-Section Tournament Team in soccer
• Competed with the BVU Soccer Club from 2021-23 as well as the Lakeville Soccer Club from 2023-24
PERSONAL
• Daughter of Jay and Janete Cha
• Has an older brother, Evan
• Enjoys traveling, working out, being outdoors, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog
• Also likes to play soccer, golf, guitar, and piano during her spare time
• Taught herself how to do a backflip and can solve a Rubik's cube
• Chose the University of Minnesota because "I wanted to attend a larger school with endless opportunities. I liked the atmosphere and the idea of being a part of a big, diverse student population. Additionally, both of my parents are alumni, and my older brother is a student here so being a Gopher just felt right!"
Friday, May 08
Wednesday, October 08
Monday, April 21
Monday, April 21
