Spotlight on… Big-Ten Bound 2023 Lauren Hardy Who Shows That Hard Work (& Patience) Pays Off

 You would’ve thought Lauren Hardy, a top senior from the East Coast, would’ve been set for a career in basketball knowing her family background.

Her father, Barry Hardy, was a three-time NAIA Slam Dunk Champion (1990-93) during his standout playing career for BYU-Hawaii and went on to be a player for the world famous Harlem Globetrotters from 1993 to 1999 and 2006.

Nicknamed “High Rise” for his 48-inch vertical jump which helped his college team make the NAIA in his junior year (1991-92). Barry later was a coach for the Globetrotters, an “Ambassador of Goodwill” and is currently the CEO of the esteemed exhibition hoops team that was founded almost 100 years ago (created in 1926).

Today, he and wife Keba are the proud parents of brothers Barry II and Bryson as well as the aforementioned Lauren, who is a two-time All-State pitcher/utility player and was the 2022 Region 4 Player of the Year but not in hoops, but in softball.

Lauren is also an impressive example of persistence as she was one of a talented quartet that signed with the Indiana Hoosiers on Signing Day (Nov. 9) 2022; unlike many standouts in her class, however, the pitcher and multi-position player initially didn’t get a lot of attention in her junior year—starting Sept. 1, 2021 when college coaches could first contact the then-juniors—but continued to work hard and recently drew significant recruiting love from top programs.

“It was important for Lauren to continue to develop,” her dad responds when asked if it was tough being a parent watching while other 2023s began committing a year ago.

“Also, it was important for her to be patient through the process,” Barry continues. “It was important to her to take visits and find where she felt good with the school environment, culture and the coaches. Her following on Twitter is by a lot of younger players. I told her she was being an example to them, and she got to go where she wanted to go because of being patient.”

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Name: LAUREN HARDY
Position(s): P/UT
Hometown: Blythewood, S.C.
High School: Blythewood High
High School Coach: Jordan Atkinson
Club Team: Lady Dukes National Premier
Travel Ball Coach: Britt Finley

When did you start playing club softball?
I began playing softball as early as five or six years old and club ball at seven years old.

When did you realize you wanted to play at the collegiate level? 
After I watched the College World Series and I saw Shay Knighten hit a clutch home run.

When the Fall and Winter of 2021-2022 came and went and you saw your peers making verbal commitments, did you begin to wonder if you would play at the next level?
I’ve gone through two September 1^st’s; however, I just remained prayerful, stayed focused, worked hard and was patient knowing that God would lead me to the right school with the right coach who believed in me and who would be willing to develop me.

Were you set in your mind that you wanted to play at a certain level in college?
I was always taught to be open to all opportunities, no matter the level. Getting an education was first priority.

I’m sure there were D2 schools and other programs of various levels interested… did you ever consider going to schools outside of D1 or even D1 non-Power 5’s?  
Absolutely! I just wanted to find the right school for me regardless of its level. I just recently learned what Power 5 is! (laughs) I just love playing softball.

What was the hardest part in your recruiting process?  
The unknown!  Disclosing to coaches that I had a learning disability and not hearing back from them was disheartening. However, Coach Stanton assured me that I would have the resources and support needed to be a successful student-athlete at IU.

Who have been the biggest influences in your athletic career? 
My Dad! He’s a former professional basketball player but he learned how to catch and throw a softball the same day I did!

What was it about Indiana University that made the Hoosiers the right school for you?
I chose Indiana University after my official visit because the family atmosphere and the culture were unmatched by any other. And having a great coaching staff is a plus and I will be trained by a Hall of Fame pitching coach.

What advice would you give other athletes that will be in a similar spot you were in, having to go a year-plus before finding the right fit?
I would say be patient, don’t give up on your dreams, continue working hard and pray specifically for your heart’s desires. Also, keep your Twitter page updated and active. Use it as your resume.  It’s a great way to highlight your skills and it’s a great way to communicate with coaches.

And to all the athletes who are still on this journey, do not compare your journey to someone else’s journey because what God has for you, it is for you.

In this, the season of being grateful for gifts and blessings, what would you say to those who’ve helped you?
First, I would like to thank my parents for supporting me throughout this journey.

Also, I would like to thank my high school coach, Jordan Atkinson, and the Lady Dukes National Premier coaching staff.

And Go Hoosiers!!!

— Joy Roeder, Extra Inning Softball correspondent