The Alchemy of Authenticity in Volleyball: A Conversation with Melissa Fuchs-Powell

In our most recent What I Meant to Say #ThrowbackThursday series, Wendy Jones sits down with Melissa Fuchs Powell—an athlete, content creator, and advocate for the growth of beach volleyball in unexpected places. Melissa’s journey from D1 indoor volleyball to the world stage of professional beach volleyball is an inspiring example of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of community. Through her viral TikTok videos and her initiative, Project Beach Utah, she is proving that the love for the game transcends geography.

Authenticity as a Superpower: The Beach Volleyball Training Connection

One of the standout themes in this conversation with Melissa is the importance of authenticity—both in competition and in life. At Be Better Life, we resonate deeply with the idea that success is not just about grinding toward an outcome but about alignment, recognizing our unique strengths, and having a deep understanding of our personal attributes and opportunities.

For athletes, understanding their Human Design type can be a game-changer. Melissa exemplifies the Manifesting Generator energy—someone who thrives on having multiple passions, exudes creativity, and follows their internal gut response to navigate the game and life. She doesn’t just play volleyball—she expands the game’s reach, builds communities, and creates a space for athletes to be seen.

“That’s to me, what I would want to communicate to the next generation: whatever you are putting up there, make sure it’s really you.” - Wendy Jones, Founder Be Better Media

Melissa’s Mission: Bringing Beach Volleyball Inland

Melissa’s career trajectory was shaped by the realization that beach volleyball opportunities were limited in areas far from the ocean. Instead of letting that be a roadblock, she founded Project Beach Utah—a professional beach volleyball organization focused on developing the sport in regions where it’s traditionally less accessible.

“I kinda want to make a team and a support system to kind of help volleyball players in these areas that don’t have beaches, that don’t really have support, get the support that they need because I thought I had to move to California to pursue this dream.” - Melissa Fuchs-Powell

This is a powerful example of the Alchemy for Athletes and Coaches philosophy—using your individual strengths and unique energy to take challenges and transform them into opportunities. Whether it’s training in an unconventional environment, adapting to new playing styles, or cultivating leadership within a niche community, the ability to pivot and innovate is essential for long-term success.

Volleyball Players, Social Media, and the Power of Storytelling

Beyond her achievements on the court, Melissa has built an incredible presence on social media. Her TikTok and Instagram accounts (@BeachVolleyMel) are filled with humor, insights, and behind-the-scenes moments that make the sport more relatable and engaging. Her content reminds us that being a volleyball player isn’t just about stats and performance—they’re about joy, connection, and self-expression.

“You gotta find the things that matter within that journey. The journey ends up being the final destination because we can’t really control the outcome, we can’t really control the end goal, but we can control small things throughout and we can control what we’re paying attention to.” - Melissa

From a Human Design perspective, this aligns beautifully with the strategy of all energy types: surrendering control over external results and instead focusing on aligned actions, the right community, and trusting the process. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or someone navigating a new phase in life, embracing your unique flow leads to sustainable success.

Confidence Without Comparison: Building Self Awareness

One of the most powerful takeaways from this conversation with Melissa was her perspective on confidence. Many athletes struggle with self-doubt, often comparing themselves to others rather than focusing on their own growth and mental toughness. Melissa offers a refreshing perspective:

“You can be confident without being cocky in the sense that you believe you are good and you’re not comparing yourself to anyone else.” - Melissa

In Alchemy for Athletes and Coaches, we emphasize this deeply—confidence isn’t about external validation; it’s about internal alignment. Whether you’re a coach guiding the next generation or an athlete striving for personal bests, true confidence is built from within.

“Compete with yourself, collaborate with your community.” - Wendy

Bringing Human Design and Alchemy to Mental Performance Coaching

As Melissa continues to elevate beach volleyball through Project Beach Utah and her digital influence, her journey serves as an example of what it means to integrate passion, purpose, and authenticity into a career. Coaches, athletes, and leaders can take inspiration from her approach:

• Know yourself: Understanding your unique strengths and energy type allows you to operate in alignment rather than burnout.  Decode your Human Design energy type now!
• Embrace the journey: The process is just as important as the outcome, if not more so.
• Build your community: Success isn’t a solo endeavor. Surround yourself with the right people who support and challenge you.
• Stay authentic: Whether online or on the court, authenticity creates deeper connections and longer-lasting impact.
• Mental Performance Coaching: Incorporate mental performance coaching to help athletes manage pressure, maintain focus, and improve their overall performance.

The Manifesting Generator: A Key to Unlocking Potential

The Manifesting Generator is a unique energy profile within the Human Design system, known for its dynamic, multi-talented, and efficient nature. Individuals with this profile, such as the legendary Simone Biles, have a natural ability to excel in multiple areas and adapt swiftly to new situations. Their gift lies in handling multiple tasks simultaneously, making them highly productive and innovative. 

For coaches, understanding the Manifesting Generator’s energy can be transformative. Recognizing their strengths and potential challenges allows coaches to tailor their approach, creating a supportive environment that fosters growth, creativity, and resilience. Here are some strategies to support Manifesting Generators:

• Encourage Experimentation: Allow athletes to explore different skills and techniques. This not only keeps them engaged but also helps them discover their true passions and strengths.
• Multiple Roles: Provide opportunities for athletes to take on various roles and responsibilities. This aligns with their natural inclination to juggle multiple tasks and keeps their energy flowing.
• Culture of Innovation: Foster an environment where creativity and innovation are celebrated. This can lead to new strategies and techniques that benefit the entire team.
• Task Management: Help athletes develop strategies for managing multiple tasks and priorities. This can enhance their efficiency and prevent burnout.
• Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence: Emphasize the importance of understanding oneself and managing emotions. This is crucial for maintaining balance and achieving peak performance.

By embracing the unique energy of the Manifesting Generator, coaches can unlock their athletes’ full potential, leading to remarkable achievements in their respective sports.

Applying Human Design Principles in Coaching

Human Design offers a powerful framework for coaches to gain a deeper understanding of their athletes’ strengths, weaknesses, and potential. By integrating Human Design principles, coaches can create a more personalized and effective coaching approach.

Here are some practical ways to apply Human Design principles in coaching:

• Human Design Charts: Use Human Design charts to identify athletes’ energy profiles. This helps in tailoring coaching strategies that align with their natural tendencies and strengths.
• Aligned Coaching Philosophy: Develop a coaching philosophy that resonates with the athlete’s Human Design profile. This ensures that the coaching style is in harmony with the athlete’s true self.
• Supportive Environment: Create an environment that fosters growth, creativity, and resilience. A supportive environment is crucial for athletes to thrive and reach their full potential.
• Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence: Emphasize the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence. These skills are vital for managing stress, pressure, and anxiety, which are common in competitive sports.

• Stress Management: Help athletes develop strategies for managing stress and pressure. This can include mental preparation techniques, mindfulness practices, and other mental skills.
• Culture of Innovation: Foster a culture where innovation and creativity are encouraged. This not only enhances performance but also keeps the training process engaging and dynamic.

By incorporating Human Design principles into their coaching approach, coaches can significantly improve athlete performance and overall well-being. This approach enhances team dynamics, increases athlete engagement and motivation, and fosters a positive and supportive team culture. Embracing the power of Human Design allows coaches to unlock the full potential of their athletes, leading to success in their respective sports.

Where to Follow Melissa

For more on Melissa’s journey, check out her content and initiatives:

• Project Beach Utah: ProjectBeachUtah.com
• Instagram: @melissalessa
• TikTok: @BeachVolleyMel

Final Thoughts

Melissa Fuchs Powell is redefining what it means to be an athlete, an influencer, and a community leader. Her journey is proof that when you align with your unique strengths, embrace the process, and uplift those around you, success naturally follows. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, a coach looking to refine your leadership, or someone navigating life’s transitions, take a page from Melissa’s book—be real, be resilient, and never stop growing.

Stay connected with Alchemy for Athletes and Coaches at Be Better Life for more conversations on Human Design, coaching, and how to use the energetic world in athletics.