Southeast High School girls’ basketball coach, John Harder, retired in 2019 with a total of 827 wins, three State Champion titles, seven final four appearances, and 22 district champion trophies.

Though he was born in Hammond, Indiana, Harder began his teaching and coaching career in Illinois before moving to Florida ten years later. He is most known for his basketball coaching abilities but has also been involved in the following sports; baseball, cross country, football, golf, and tennis.  
 
Over the span of his 46-year career, Harder earned prestigious accolades including Manatee County/Sarasota Coach of the Year ten times, Florida Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year three times, Florida Association of Basketball Coaches Court of Legends Coach of the Year once, National High School Athletic Coaches Association Southeast Regional Coach of the Year two times, and NHSACA 2019 National Girls Basketball Coach of the Year.

Harder has been involved in the Florida Athletic Coaches Association since his arrival to the state. He has held positions such as district and state chairman for several years and headed the south’s team for the FACA State All-Star game on three occasions. In 2007, Harder was inducted into the FACA Hall of Fame.  

In addition to being an impactful coach, Harder is recognized by peers, athletes, and students for being passionate and leading by example. He has been the recipient of the “Golden Nole” award, selected by Southeast’s student body, 25 times. Coach Harder has also collected a number of School Spirit, Inspirational, and Favorite Social Studies Teacher Awards throughout his career.