Softball Announces Hire of Laura Messina as Assistant Coach

Bronx, N.Y. – Head coach Bridget Orchard and the Fordham softball program have today announced the hiring of Laura Messina as an assistant coach. Messina arrives in the Bronx after serving as pitching coach at Rutgers Newark the last two years while completing a Master's program in Liberal Studies.
 
"We are excited to have Laura join our Fordham softball family," said Orchard, "She has amazing energy, passion, and love for the game. I felt she was a perfect fit for our positive team culture and winning tradition. She stood out with her competitive attitude and desire to win. Her successful playing career and championships along with her NCAA Regional experience will be huge for our pitchers as they strive to become a top 25 team."
 

Messina is a graduate of Central Connecticut State University in 2015. The Marlton, N.J. native was instrumental to the Blue Devil's fortunes during her four years, winning Pitcher of the Year as a junior, being named to the All-Conference team all four seasons, and helping CCSU to two NEC titles and one regular season championship. Additionally, Messina was named Tournament MVP as a sophomore and served as team captain as a junior.
 
Prior to her stint in New Britain, Messina played four years at Camden Catholic High School, serving as captain her final three seasons. Messina earned Team MVP honors all four years, as well as All-Conference, All-Group, and All-South Jersey. Messina broke Camden Catholic's strikeout record and became just the 10^th player to reach 1,000 strikeouts in state history.