Prong to depart Lehigh staff for medical school; Troyan adds Lombardo as assistant coach

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Lehigh softball program is announcing a transition involving one of its assistant coach positions. Michelle Prong, who spent the last two seasons on the Mountain Hawks' staff, will be leaving Lehigh at the end of June to pursue a career as a physician, beginning work at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in August.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the time that I have spent at Lehigh and the relationships that I have been able to build as a result of being part of this very special softball program," Prong said. "I have grown immensely, both personally and professionally, in my short time at Lehigh and could not be more thankful to have had the opportunity to work with the group of people."

To fill the vacant position on the Lehigh coaching staff, head coach Fran Troyan has announced the hiring of Kayla Lombardo. A 2015 graduate of Fordham University, Lombardo has spent the last two years working in sports journalism, first for Sports Illustrated and most recently for Excelle Sports.

Lombardo graduated from Fordham magna cum laude with a degree in Communication and Media Studies and a concentration in Journalism. The Pompton Plains, N.J. native was a part of three Atlantic 10 Conference tournament championship teams and was honored in all four of her seasons on the Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll.

A two-time first-team All-Atlantic 10 performer and a two-time third-team NFCA All-Region Selection, Lombardo will primarily be responsible for assisting with the Lehigh softball program's overall administrative functioning and will help direct the team's offensive strategy.

"Michelle Prong has been an incredible asset to the Lehigh softball program," Troyan said. "There probably are not too many Division I head coaches losing an assistant to medical school. Michelle will be a wonderful doctor and we are all excited to follow her journey. We are also thrilled with the hiring of Kayla Lombardo. Having seen Kayla compte and now getting to know her through the interview process I am confident that Kayla has a lot to bring to Lehigh softball. I am excited for the team to meet her!"

The Mountain Hawks are coming off a 36-20 campaign in 2017 that saw Lehigh win its league-leading 14th Patriot League softball championship. Lehigh appeared in the NCAA Tournament for the 10th time overall and the ninth time in the last 14 seasons.

Lehigh University Athletics

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Prong to depart Lehigh staff for medical school; Troyan adds Lombardo as assistant coach

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