LK LIGHTNING ANNOUNCES STEVE COSTEA AS PROGRAM’S FIRST-EVER HITTING COACH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 22, 2026 — LK Lightning Travel Fastpitch Softball is pleased to announce the addition of Steve Costea as the organization’s first-ever Hitting Coach. Costea brings more than four decades of coaching experience, along with an extensive record of success at the high school and travel softball levels.

Most recently, Costea was the Head Coach of the Penn Highlands Women’s Softball program. Costea spent 29 years as the head baseball coach at Somerset Area High School, where he recorded more than 400 career victories and experienced just one losing season during his nearly three-decade tenure. His teams captured 19 Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference (LHAC) championships and eight district championships, while Costea was named LHAC Coach of the Year 16 times.

His distinguished coaching career earned him induction into the Somerset County Oldtimers Association Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016.

In addition to his extensive baseball background, Costea has continued to work with softball athletes throughout the region serving as assistant coach with multiple softball programs both travel and school level.

“LK Lightning is thrilled to bring someone with Steve’s experience and stature into our program,” said Kevin Landis, LK Lightning founder and President. “Steve has a proven track record with over 400 wins at the high school level and has been working with many of our student athletes for years, and now all our players will benefit from his expertise. As we continue to expand our program, adding a hitting instructor was the logical next step.”

The addition of Costea represents another step in LK Lightning’s continued commitment to providing its athletes with high-level instruction and development opportunities. As the organization continues to expand, the program believes that individualized hitting instruction will provide an important resource for athletes working to improve their approach, mechanics, confidence and overall offensive game.

Costea will work with LK Lightning athletes across the program, bringing his decades of coaching knowledge and experience directly to the organization’s players.

LK Lightning welcomes Steve Costea to the program and looks forward to the impact his experience and leadership will have on the continued development of our athletes.

LK LIGHTNING
Strong Alone. Unstoppable Together.