Former Chiefs’ standout Melissa (Gallardo) Waidzulis joined Waubonsee’s coaching staff as a volunteer in 2019 and is now the Chiefs' main Assistant Coach. The former keeper brings a wealth of soccer knowledge to the Chiefs’ sidelines and more than a decade of experience as a player. Coach Waidzulis has been a huge part of the Chiefs' recent success, including guiding Isabelle Harkleroad to NJCAA Second Team All-American status last season. 

Waidzulis played for Team Chicago and the JAMBUC Soccer Academy, where she received training from several ex-professional players from Brazil, Jamaica, and Mexico. After graduating from Oswego High School in 2012 she played the defensive center midfielder position for Waubonsee her freshman year. Coach Schlemmer moved her into the net her sophomore year where she excelled, earning All-ISCC and All-Region honors as the top goal keeper in the Region IV. Waidzulis transferred to Greenville University in southern Illinois where she started at midfielder for the Panthers the next two years. She graduated from Greenville with a bachelor’s degree in Science in 2015.

Waidzulis then began coaching for the Kaneland United soccer organization, received a Coaching “D” license, and went on to earn a certificate in Paralegal Studies through the College of DuPage. She currently works as a Paralegal with the Law Office of Peter Francis Geraci, and moonlights as a bartender on the weekends. Waidzulis and her husband Matt were married in September of 2019 and reside in Aurora.