Following up on a story that HoopDirt.com first reported earlier this morning (DII DIRT). It’s now been made official that a coaching change has been made at DII Assumption College, as Director of Athletics Jamie Marcoux announced that men’s basketball head coach Michael Harding has been relieved of his duties, effective immediately.
“I would like to thank Michael for his dedication to the men’s basketball program over the past four seasons,” said Marcoux. “He brought in a number of talented student-athletes during his tenure and ensured that they competed in the classroom as well as on the court. Michael was a thoughtful and engaging member of our athletic department, and we wish him the best going forward.”
Harding’s 2018-19 season concluded on Tuesday evening with a 66-60 victory over Southern New Hampshire to finish the year with an 8-20 record. In four seasons at the helm of the men’s program, Harding went 28-81 overall with 14 conference victories. During his tenure, the team consistently ranked in the top half of the conference in fewest points allowed per game and fewest fouls committed per game. Last season he helped Matthew Kelly earn WACBA Rookie of the Year and NE10 All-Rookie Team honors. Off the court, Harding’s teams have succeeded in the classroom, consistently posting a team GPA over 3.0 and this past fall the men’s basketball program had the highest GPA of any Assumption men’s team with a 3.25 cumulative GPA.
Prior to Assumption, Harding was the associate head coach at Division I UMass Lowell, helping the program transition from Division II to I during his two seasons. Harding also served as the head coach at Saint Michael’s College from 2010-2013. In his three seasons with the Purple Knights, Harding led the program to the NE10 Tournament for the first time since 2007, reaching the NE10 Quarterfinals in 2011. Prior to St. Michael’s, Harding spent five seasons at Stonehill College, first as an assistant coach and later as the associate head coach. The Skyhawks reached the NCAA Regionals three times and had one NCAA Final Four appearance during his tenure.
Harding is a 2003 graduate of Bowdoin College with a degree in government and legal studies. He earned his Master’s in education from Tufts University in 2007.
A national search for his successor will begin immediately.
https://www.assumptiongreyhounds.com/sports/mbkb/2018-19/releases/20190301q1c8b9
