Rake increased her UCSB school record in the javelin while winning the 2015 Stanford Invite. She has twice claimed the Big West Silver in the event and has made two appearances in the NCAA First Round. Rake has eight career collegiate victories in the event.
2014-2015 Outdoor
Rake finished no worse than second place in the javelin during the regular season in 2015. She opened the year by spearing the win at the Round-Up with a mark of 137'1. She took a second place finish at the All-UC before winning the UCR Spring Classic with a toss of 139'0. She then took the win at the Stanford Invite, resetting her school record on her first attempt, throwing 154'1. She won the Cal Poly Dual with a throw of 145'6. For the second straight year Rake placed second at the Big West Championships, hitting a throw of 151'4. She threw 145'11 at the NCAA First Round meet to place 27th overall.
2013-2014 Outdoor
Rake competed in nine competitions during her sophomore track campaign. She recorded four even wins in the javelin to go along with three other top-three performances in the event. Rake opened the season with a 125'6 effort to win the Gaucho Round-Up. She then threw 127'1 to take second at the All Cal. Rake broke onto the javelin scene with a 144'3 performance at the UC Riverside Spring Break Invite to take the event win. Rake helped the Gauchos claim a team victory at the Cal Poly Dual with a 139'9 javelin win. In the fourth round of the Big West Championships, rake set the UCSB school record by unleashing a 151' effort in the javelin. She went on to place second and earn a bid to the NCAA First Round.
2012-2013 Outdoor
Came through with a second place finish in the javelin at the UC Riverside Dual Meet with a mark of 120'6. Had a throw of 119'11 at the Brian Clay Invite. In her first conference championship meet, qualified for the finals and went on to take 7th place with a lifetime best throw of 122'2.
Prep
Rake graduated from St. Lucy’s Priory High School where she competed under coach Julie Avenetti…Sierra League Champion in shot put in 2010, 2011 and 2012…Discus League champion in 2012…Also competed in varsity volleyball and soccer.
Personal
Melissa Rake was born April 16, 1994 in San Dimas, Calif. to parents Ronald and Catherine Rake…Has one older brother named Brandon…Enjoys spending time with her friends and family, going to church, snowboarding, hiking, playing the piano… Favorite movie is Gladiator…Favorite book is Outliers by Malcom Gladwell…Most memorable athletic achievement was breaking the UCSB school record in the javelin…Her parents are her heroes…Favorite aspect of college track and field is competing…Received a black belt in martial arts in 2005…Majoring in Environmental Studies.
Collegiate Best
Javelin- 160'1' (2016 Big West Challenge Cup)**
**UCSB School Record
Big West Championships
2016- Javelin, 3rd, 150'8/45.93m
2015- Javelin, 2nd, 151'1, 46.12m
2014- Javelin, 2nd, 151'0, 46.04m
2013- Javelin, 7th, 122'2/37.24m
NCAA First Round
2016- Javelin, 17th, 156'0/47.56m
2015- Javelin, 27th, 145'11/45.47m
2014- Javelin, 44th, 134'2/40.90m
