MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – RMU head coach Sara Pelegreen has announced the addition of Rielly Lucas as an assistant coach.
"I am so excited to welcome Rielly to our coaching staff," said Pelegreen. "She brings a ton of knowledge and experience to the offensive side of the game, but what I'm most excited about is everything else she will bring to our athletes. She has a great understanding of the mental side of preparation, knows how to get players ready to compete and can create a positive and energetic learning environment. I'm really looking forward to the impact she will make within this program."
Lucas brings a strong combination of NCAA Division I playing experience and collegiate coaching experience to her role as the Colonials' hitting coach.
"I'm so excited and grateful for the opportunity to join RMU Softball and to be part of such an important time for the program," said Lucas. "I'm especially looking forward to working alongside Sara in her first year leading the Colonials. I've always admired the way she invests in her players and staff. She builds genuine relationships and makes the people around her feel valued."
Lucas began her coaching career at the University of Charleston, serving on staff during the Golden Eagles' 47-win 2026 season. Charleston finished 47-18 overall and 24-6 in Mountain East Conference play, earning a share of the MEC South Division regular-season championship before advancing to the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional.
Working with the Golden Eagles' offense, Lucas helped guide a lineup that produced 478 hits, 323 runs, 86 doubles and 291 RBIs during the 2026 season. Charleston featured multiple consistent offensive threats, including three everyday players who finished the season hitting .333 or better.
Before entering the coaching ranks, Lucas was a four-year player and starter at Marshall University. Over her career with the Thundering Herd, she appeared in 187 games with 169 starts and established herself as a consistent power threat in the Marshall lineup. Lucas finished her collegiate career with a .305 batting average, 149 hits, 34 home runs and more than 120 RBIs.
Her strongest offensive season came as a senior, when she hit .322 with a career-high 55 hits and 15 home runs. Her 15 home runs ranked among the Sun Belt Conference leaders, and she earned Sun Belt Player of the Week recognition during the season.
Lucas brings the same competitive approach that defined her playing career into her work with hitters. Her philosophy goes beyond teaching one swing, emphasizing efficient movement patterns, understanding how each athlete moves, developing a clear plan at the plate and building hitters who can adjust from pitch to pitch and at-bat to at-bat.
Having recently made the transition from Division I player to collegiate coach, Lucas understands the physical and mental demands athletes face in competition. Her goal is to develop hitters who understand their own swing, compete with intent and have the confidence to make adjustments when the game demands it.
"I can't wait to pour into our players, help build a strong culture and develop relationships that will shape this program into greatness," said Lucas. "I'm beyond excited for this new journey and am ready to get started working with Team 40!"
Lucas earned her bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Marshall University.
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