MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Auburn University at Montgomery Softball head coach Scottie Wilkes Laney has named Jessica Strong as the new Assistant Softball Coach.

"We are excited to have Jessica join our staff.," said Wilkes Laney. "She has coached at many levels and has had great success. We look forward to her not only adding her knowledge of the game, but also her energy and enthusiasm."

Strong earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematical Sciences from Armstrong State in 2009 and went on to earn a Master of Education in Curriculum in 2012. She started her coaching career at her alma mater and collected 80 wins from 2012-14, including a 44-10-1 record in 2013 which led to a mention as NFCA Regional Coaching Staff of the Year. 

As a head coach, Strong held a win percentage of .745 over six seasons (Berry College and Seton Hill University), She has been a part of four College World Series appearances and eight seasons with at least 30 wins.

Since becoming a head coach in 2018, Strong has directed 38 All-Conference picks, 17 NFCA All-Region players, and six All-America selections.

As the head coach for the Berry Vikings, she never lost a league game over her whole tenure (35-0). Strong's combined record there was 89-14. Both of her Berry teams accomplished Southern Athletic Association regular season and tournament titles, finishing inside the D-III top ten on both occasions. In 2023, her club went 11-3 in the postseason on their way to a World Series ticket, ranked third in the nation for the final poll.

Most recently, Strong spent the last two season as an assistant at Presby and joins the AUM staff with 13 years of coaching experience and over 395 wins as a both an assistant and head coach. 

As a student-athlete, Strong was an All-Peach Belt Conference selection and batted .330 with 95 RBI and 13 homers. 

"I'm incredibly honored to join the Warhawks softball program under the leadership of Coach Wilkes," said Strong. "I'm excited for the opportunity to be a part of the winning culture here at AUM and look forward to contributing to the success of our student athletes both on and off of the field. "
   
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