Name: Stacia Melinda Pugh
Nickname: “Miss Stacia”
Age: 46
Location: Parma Heights, OH
Email: staciamelinda@gmail.com
Stacia is a full time chess coach of over 10 years experience; skilled at teaching all levels from beginner to tournament players up to the 1500 USCF level. She is an active tournament player with a peak rating of 1863 in 2025 and recognized "adult improver" as she did not enter chess until well into her mid-30's.
Stacia's passion and love for chess is contagious! She has inspired hundreds of kids to enjoy and improve at chess, and she specializes on getting her students from 500 to 1000 UCSF milestone within one year. Stacia also was two time Women's World Champion of Cornhole, so she knows what it takes to be the best!
CHESS EXPERIENCE:
Peak Rating and Title: 1863 USCF “Class A Player”
Best Chess accomplishments: Gaining 600 USCF rating points in 3 years as an adult
Years in chess: 12
Teaching experience: 10 years teaching chess to kids and adults up to 1200 USCF
Other Roles: Local USCF Tournament Director, Organizer, Content Creator on YouTube, Non-Profit and Marketing Background, OCA Board Member, Ohio delegate for USCF, Active tournament player and adult improver, Real Estate Developer for a Non-Profit for 20 years
PERSONAL BIO:
Interests & Hobbies: all things chess!
Occupation: Full time chess professional
Education: Masters in Urban Planning, Design & Development from CSU, Minor in Computer Science
