University of Minnesota Morris Athletics

Grant Harding begins his seventh year at the helm of the Cougars baseball program in 2019.

The Cougars 18 wins in 2017 were the most in the UMM baseball program since the Cougars won 21 games in 1996. Their 12 UMAC wins were most in program history as the team finished in a tie for second as the team qualified for UMAC postseason play for consecutive seasons for the first time.

Harding joined the Cougar baseball coaching staff in the fall of 2007 as an assistant coach. He also served as an assistant football coach and head equipment room manager. In his first year, he helped four hitters finish above the .390 mark, while the Cougars had five regulars finish the season with batting averages over .300.  In 2011, he coached the pitching staff to their lowest team ERA since 2002.

Harding is a native of Sandstone, Minn. where he played football and baseball under his father, Bruce. During his senior season at East Central High, Harding set a program record by striking out 20 batters in a 7-inning game.

After high school, he began his collegiate career at Hamline University, competing in both football and baseball. After graduating he stayed on as a graduate assistant for football, coaching defensive backs.

Following Hamline, Harding came to Minnesota Morris for one season, coaching defensive backs. He then accepted a graduate assistantship at Minot State with the football team, eventually moving to Dakota State for one season and Urbana University before returning to Morris.

Harding then returned to Minnesota Morris in 2008 as an assistant coach for both the baseball and football teams.

Harding and his wife, Michele, and their daughter Kylie Marie, reside in Morris.  

Education
2001 – Hamline University (B.A. in Physical Education)

Coaching Career
Career: 78-131, 51-53 UMAC

2018: 9-24, 8-8 UMAC
2017: 18-20, 12-4 UMAC
2016: 15-25, 8-8 UMAC
2015: 16-23, 10-11 UMAC
2014: 15-19, 10-11 UMAC
2013: 5-20, 3-11 UMAC