ITHACA, N.Y. – After three years away from South Hill, Ithaca softball standout Kelly Robichaud '16 will be returning as the Ithaca College softball program's newest assistant coach, announced Head Coach Hannah Quintana and Athletics Director Susan Bassett.
 
"First, I would like to thank Coach Quintana and Susan Bassett for this incredible opportunity," said Robichaud. "I am forever indebted to the Ithaca College softball program and the impact that it has had on my life in the years following graduation. For that reason and many others, I am excited to return to South Hill to be a part of the next chapter for this storied program!"
 
Robichaud replaces Rinae Olsen, who was recently hired as the Head Coach at Skidmore College. Robichaud's appointment comes on the heels of Quintana being named the fifth Head Coach in program history, following the retirement of Deb Pallozzi.
 
During her time as a player at Ithaca, Robichaud played in 144 games, making 142 starts as both a catcher and a utility player.
 
Robichaud was named the Empire 8 Player of the Year following a stellar senior season in 2016. She finished with a .390 batting average after notching 41 hits, which included nine doubles, two triples and a conference-leading 12 homeruns.
 
She also picked up First-Team All-Empire 8 and National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Northeast Region First Team accolades.
 
As a junior Robichaud led IC with a .417 batting average and a team-high 45 hits and 12 doubles on the season. She also led the Bombers with 75 total bases and earned a First-Team All-Empire 8 selection.
 
"I am thrilled to welcome Kelly back to South Hill," said Quintana. "As a decorated Bomber, Kelly has always been a fantastic teacher of the game. I am excited for our team to be around her positive energy and passion for the program. I look forward to the new ideas that Kelly will bring to the table and know that our strong rapport will aid in a quick and easy transition into the position."
 
Robichaud, who moved to the Boston area following her graduation from Ithaca, spent the 2019 softball season as an assistant coach at Emmanuel College, where she worked with hitters and catchers.
 
Upon graduation in 2016, Robichaud moved to the Boston area to follow her passion for working with special needs children, where she was a special education assistant at The New England Center for Children.
 
While there, she began working part-time for SoulCycle – an indoor cycling studio – and received promotions to both Assistant Studio Manager and Studio Manager. She was responsible for overseeing the growth and daily operations of both the Chestnut Hill and Dedham locations.
 
Robichaud will begin her coaching duties on September 16.