HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Northern Kentucky University Department of Athletics welcomes two new members to its staff, assistant athletic communications director Devon Lucal and assistant strength & conditioning coach Luis Rodriguez Castellano. 

 
A native of West Chester, Ohio, Lucal returns to the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region following stops in the athletic communications departments at Washington State, Arkansas at Monticello and Northwestern Oklahoma State that span over seven years. He will serve as the primary communications liaison at NKU for women's basketball, men's and women's soccer, baseball, and men's and women's tennis.
 
"Devon's experience at all levels of competition, from Power 5 to non-DI, will prove to be a vital asset here at Northern Kentucky," said Bryan McEldowney, assistant athletic director for communications and media services. "I'm grateful to welcome him to our staff and can't wait to see the impact he has on Norse Athletics during his time in Highland Heights."

 

Rodriguez Castellano is completing his PhD in Sports Physiology and Performance through East Tennessee State University, where he previously served as a strength & conditioning coach and sports science fellow. He was the strength & conditioning coach for the men's basketball and men's and women's swimming teams at Milligan University. At Northern Kentucky, Rodriguez Castellano provides strength training, cardiovascular work, and load monitoring for volleyball, men's and women's soccer, and men's and women's tennis.
 
"We couldn't be happier to have Luis on staff with us," said Sarah Crosby, interim director of sports performance. "With his extensive background in sports science, we are enthusiastic about Luis continuing to help us bridge the gap between college athletics and the physiological science-based demands of our student-athletes."