HARRISONBURG, Va. --- EMU Director of Athletics Carrie S. Bert, recently announced that Anna Hardin has been named the head coach of the Royals women's soccer team.

"We are excited to welcome Anna Hardin into the Royals family," Bert said. "Coach Hardin brings a positive, growth focused, and excellence driven mission to our women's soccer program. Her collegiate coaching experience at a variety of levels and positions, including as an interim head coach at the division II level, has prepared her to step into the head coach position at EMU. She understands the daily management of a college program, recruiting, and our desire to increase competitiveness."

Hardin comes to Harrisonburg from Union University where she's been the assistant coach for the Bulldogs since June, 2019. She was also the interim head coach for the 2021 season. In her tenure at Union, she coached Bryson Lee to Gulf South Conference Women's Soccer All-Conference second-team honors. She also had 42 players named to the GSC Academic Honor Roll and saw five GSC Players of the Week. Her coaching experience also includes being the head coach of the Jackson Soccer Club and a two-year stint as the assistant women's soccer coach at Oxford College of Emory University.

She graduated from Valdosta State University in 2015 with a bachelor of fine arts in art education, pre-K – 12. She was a goalkeeper for the Blazers and part of the 2011 inaugural team that competed for a GSC Championship. She has a national C and D license from the United States Soccer Federation, a United Soccer Coaches Professional Certification and an NSCAA Goalkeeping Level One diploma.

She takes over the program from Ted Erickson, who was at the helm of the Royals for nine seasons. Hardin explains that she's ready to get to Harrisonburg and get to work, looking forward to her future at EMU.

"I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to lead the women's soccer program at EMU," Hardin said. "The opportunity to put my own stamp on this team and begin to help lead the Royals towards a strong future is very exciting. I can't thank Carrie and the entire Athletic Department enough for this opportunity. I can't wait to see what we can achieve together. I am looking forward to getting to know the team this spring as we prepare for the fall season."