Mike Hardman '11 returns to his alma mater to serve as a graduate assistant coach with the Blazer men's and women's tennis teams for 2011-12.

A native of Bowie, Md., and product of Bowie High School, Hardman received a bachelor's degree from Hood in history and political science from Hood last May. A four-year letterwinner on the tennis team, he was honored at the 2011 senior student-athlete awards banquet with the President's Award, given to a senior student-athlete who has distinguished himself throughout his Hood College careers in the areas of academic achievement, athletic excellence, service and leadership.

Hardman's emergence during his sophomore year and beyond produced outstanding results and he single-handedly raised the bar of competition for the Blazer tennis team. He departed Hood as the program's career wins leader in singles (30) and doubles (19) and he captured 17 singles matches at the No. 2 spot, the most all-time at that position. His 11 wins in 2009-10 are tied for the most all-time in a single season at Hood.

A member of the CAC all-academic team in 2010-11, Hardman is currently pursuing a master's of business administration at Hood.