ONEONTA, NY – On Thursday, Hartwick College Director of Athletics John Czarnecki announced the hiring of Sarah Lombard as the new head women's basketball coach. She becomes the 14^th head coach in the history of the program.
           
Lombard has spent the last six seasons as the assistant women's basketball coach at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. It marked her second stint with the Engineers after serving in the same capacity from 2008-2010. During her tenure, she helped the program to a Liberty League title and an NCAA Tournament berth, three conference playoff appearances, and single season records for overall victories and conference wins.
           
"Sarah's enthusiasm and energy stood out from the very beginning," said Czarnecki. "She drew upon her past experiences to lay out a plan and vision for the program that aligned well with Hartwick College and the Athletic Department. Sarah's desire to develop student-athletes into well-rounded individuals, who will be strong competitors and leaders in their communities, was evident since having first met her. I am looking forward to what is to come in this new chapter of the women's basketball program under Sarah's leadership."
           
"I am excited to be a part of the future of the women's basketball program at Hartwick College," said Lombard. "I am honored and humbled to join an institution with such a highly respected academic and athletic tradition. I would like to thank President Drugovich, Athletic Director John Czarnecki and the hiring committee for their confidence in me to lead the Hawks."
           
Lombard became a head coach in 2010 when she piloted the women's basketball program at Bard College for four years. She spent one season as an assistant with the women's program at Hamilton College in 2014-2015 before returning to RPI. There, she has been involved with all facets of the program, including on-court coaching, recruiting, individual player development, film exchange, game breakdown, scouting reports, and academic monitoring. Lombard also serves as an AAU coach with the Albany Capitals.
             
As a student-athlete, Lombard played for the Oswego State Lakers from 2004-2008. She helped the program to postseason appearances in all four seasons, including two consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances to go along with the SUNYAC Championship in 2006. Lombard was a 1,000-point scorer for the Lakers, she earned All-SUNYAC honors three times, and was an D3hoops All-East Region performer her freshman year. Lombard graduated from Oswego State in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in Health & Promotional Wellness Management.
           
"I have been privileged enough to have worked with extraordinary individuals such as John Greene, Michelle Collins and Jamie Seward, as well as many others who have played integral parts in my development," added Lombard. "I'd also like to thank my family, friends and loved ones for their unconditional support."   
           
Lombard will coach her first game at 'Wick on Saturday, November 6 at Lambros Arena against Union College.
           
Make sure to catch the latest news on all your favorite Hartwick Hawks teams by following @HawkTalk on Twitter, @hartwickhawks on Instagram, and by liking 'Hartwick Hawks' on Facebook.