Head coach Bridget Orchard announced Messina as an assistant coach in September 2017. 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 2015 graduate of Central Connecticut State University. 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 NEC Tournament MVP as a sophomore, served as team captain as a junior, and set several school records, including wins (100), strikeouts, innings pitched, and complete games, setting most of those marks by the end of her sophomore season. Messina was a 15-time NEC Pitcher of the Week honoree and twice was named All-ECAC (2013 and 2015), and led the nation in the latter year with 15 shutouts.
 
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.