Hard-Working Hardiman

A day in the life of an AHS teacher and coach

Teachers and coaches spend a lot of time helping their students and athletes become the best they can be. Mr. Hardiman, teacher at Anderson High School, spends all day teaching United States history and all night coaching the AHS Girls Lacrosse team. 

His students and players love his teaching and coaching styles, which helps them learn and improve. 

“He lets us have fun but he’s also…serious when he has to be,” Abby Gonsalvez (10), AHS lacrosse player, said. 

His methods are especially appreciated by players who are new to the game.

“I can ask him a lot of questions and he won’t get frustrated, he'll just explain it to me every time,” AP United States History student and lacrosse player, Taylor Misiak (10), said. 

During the spring season, Hardiman gets to school at 7:00 am everyday and teaches until 2:40 pm. Then, he goes into lacrosse practices and games. 

“Mondays [and] Wednesdays I’m here until about 6:30…and then Tuesdays and [Thursdays] I get out of here a little bit after five,” Hardiman said. 

His schedule is even more busy while having a baby to take care of at home on top of his teaching and coaching duties. 

“I have a newborn at home, so [it’s] been an adjustment, but that’s life,” Hardiman said. 

Once lacrosse games start, Hardiman will have to stay later on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as attend games on Saturdays. Games on weekdays start at 6 or 7 pm and usually don’t end until after 8 pm, making his busy schedule even more demanding. 

 However, Hardiman is dedicated to helping his players improve through drills and watching film during practices. 

“We watch film a lot and then we’ll work on what he saw that we weren’t doing well during the game,” Gonsalvez (10) said. 

Additionally, he and his players both have likes and dislikes about the weather throughout the season. The cold in the early weeks of spring are the worst part of lacrosse for both the coaches and players. 

“We really like when the weather changes,” Hardiman said. 

However, Hardiman’s favorite part of the season is getting to spend time with his players throughout the whole spring. 

“Lacrosse kids are great,” Hardiman said.