Lombardi Hire Earns Rave Reviews Around Softball World

The positive reaction to Oregon's hiring of Melyssa Lombardi as its new head softball coach has reverberated loudly throughout the softball world, with some of the sport's biggest names expressing their support.

Lombardi, who takes over at UO after building a loaded résumé during a highly successful 21-year tenure at Oklahoma, will be officially introduced as the Ducks' head coach on Monday, July 16, at 3 p.m. PT. The press conference will be broadcast live on Pac-12 Oregon and will also be live streamed on multiple social media platforms.

Below are just some of the glowing reviews from around the softball world on the Ducks naming Lombardi as their next head coach.

Patty Gasso – Oklahoma Head Coach
"A head coach could not have asked for a more loyal and valuable assistant than Missy Lombardi. We have been side by side in the trenches and have shared 17 Big 12 Championships and four national championship moments together. But more than that, we shared 'life' together both on and off the field. That said, she is more than ready to be a head coach. She represents everything that is good about our sport and knows what it takes to compete at a championship level. We are proud of what she has accomplished and the role our program has played in her preparation. It's time for this next chapter in her career and she leaves with more gratitude than we can put into words. The OU coaching tree just went to another level, and we give our very best wishes and love to both her and her family as they embark on this new journey. The Lombardis will forever be a part of the Sooner Family."

Holly Rowe – ESPN
"Oregon has hit a home run with this softball coaching hire. Melyssa Lombardi has been instrumental in building one of the most successful programs in the country at the University of Oklahoma working alongside one of the best-ever in Patty Gasso. I have watched Melyssa's interaction with pitchers and student-athletes. She is patient, thoughtful and passionate. I can't wait to see her shine as the head coach at the University of Oregon!"

Lonni Alameda - Florida State Head Coach
"What a great hire Melyssa is for the University of Oregon and the Pac-12 in general. It is amazing to see someone who has been so loyal to my alma mater for so long and has accomplished tremendous things, to seek an opportunity to grow the game of softball even more and give back to the game. It is a great hire for Oregon and I know that the pitching staff and the team are excited about the leadership and person that Melyssa will be for that program."

Patrick Murphy - Alabama Head Coach
"Melyssa obviously paid her dues prior to her new job at Oregon. It was a hire that a lot of people in softball were thrilled to see. She has been nothing but a positive person in our sport for so long. I think that is a major reason why she has a ton of fans around the country celebrating with her, including me."

Janie Takeda Reed – Former Oregon Outfielder and Oklahoma Volunteer Assistant Coach
"When I found out that Coach Lombardi had officially accepted the position, I was overjoyed. I have such a deep love for the University of Oregon and even more so for the softball team. She is a brilliant woman and an incredible coach. My heart aches for our pitchers at the University of Oklahoma because they have absolutely loved getting to spend every day with her in the bullpen, but I can't wait to see what she does at Oregon. I've learned so much from her just in the past season — not only with pitch calling, but work ethic. She will never be unprepared, uncompetitive or unconfident. She will help turn the girls that enter into the program into young women and that is all an alumni could ever ask for."

Paige Parker – Former Oklahoma Pitcher
"She is a fantastic person. She brings so much to the team. I think the best thing about her is she treats her players like she really cares. She's always concerned about how we're doing, our interests, things outside of softball, and she's so invested in us as people and not just as softball players. The Oregon pitchers should expect someone who is 100 percent invested in you and who you are as a pitcher. She does anything and everything in her power to make you better as a pitcher. There isn't a better pitching coach in the country than her."

Michelle Gascoigne - Former Oklahoma Pitcher
"She has been instrumental in all of our lives as alums, both pitchers and non-pitchers. Just the relationship I built through my time pitching for her and being a grad assistant for her, and now I'm coaching in the Big Ten, she definitely has inspired me to continue on that coaching path. I consider her my coach, my mentor, someone I look to for advice, and definitely a great friend. They are definitely in good hands. There is no right way, she won't work with every pitcher or player the same way, and I think that's one of the best things about her is she meets you where you're at. She is willing to work with you and instill that confidence in you and make you the absolute best that you can be at your craft. I am so excited for her."

Cheridan Hawkins – Former Oregon Pitcher
"I'm really looking forward to Coach Lombardi taking over at Oregon. She has helped win multiple national championships and I feel that is a testament to the kind of head coach she will be. She has also coached several very successful pitchers and I can't wait to see the impact she makes at Oregon!"

Nikki Udria – Former Oregon Shortstop
"I am super pumped for the future of Oregon softball. I have only spent a week or two with Coach Lombardi, but I have nothing but great things to say about her as a coach and person. She brings an attitude to compete everyday and has gone above and beyond for USA team BLUE in such a short amount of time. I can't imagine the amount of commitment, change and great leadership she will bring to the program! Blessed to have been a Duck and looking forward to supporting Coach Lombardi and my Ducks in the upcoming season."

Several notable names also took to Twitter to express their excitement for Lombardi's opportunity..

Alexis Mack - Senior Outfielder
"So excited for the opportunity to be a part of the next chapter of Oregon softball! It is a privilege to be able to play for Coach Lombardi!"

Shaye Bowden - Sophomore Infielder
"Cannot wait to play under such an amazing coach. We are so lucky to have you. Thank you for taking a chance on us. Go Ducks"

Keilani Ricketts - Former Oklahoma Pitcher
Thank you @MelyssaLombardi for what you've done for OUr program! So well deserved

excited to follow you and the ducks in this new chapter!

Cheri Kempf - National Pro Fastpitch Commissioner
"

What a HIRE! This should keep the Ducks pitching staff in tact. Sad to see the Gasso/Lombardi combo split, but a huge WIN for @OregonSB!!"

Erin Miller - ESPN Analyst and Former Oklahoma Outfielder
"Extremely excited for @MelyssaLombardi! Thank you for all you've done for @OU_Softball. I wish you nothing but the best at @OregonSB! Those girls are so lucky to have you!"