Matt Harder had hopes of one day becoming an NCAA Division I swimming coach, but not necessarily at age 25. After being hired as the men’s and women’s assistant coach for the University of California Santa Barbara, the 2018 Riverside Brookfield High School graduate is among the youngest coaches in Division I swimming.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be coaching at Division I and at one of the best mid-major programs in the country,” Harder said. “It was unexpected to come up this early in my career, but I’m so honored a Division I program would pick me at such a young age and think I can be an asset to their program.”
Harder brings a wealth of coaching experience after competing for the RBHS boys swimming and diving team all four years and boys water polo team for three. An assistant coach for the Lyons Township High School girls and boys swimming teams from 2021 through the 2024 girls season, Harder also was the senior coach for the RISE Aquatic Club, which he co-founded in 2022, and served as lead coach for their national group.
The past two seasons, Harder gained his first taste of college coaching as a part-time assistant at the University of Chicago. The men’s team has finished third at Division III nationals the past three seasons.
Harder thanked several coaches for their mentorship and nurturing his enthusiasm for coaching – former RBHS boys swimming and water polo head coach Todd Fridych, current RBHS boys and girls swim head coach Mike Laurich, recently retired LTHS girls swim head coach Scott Walker and LTHS boys swim head coach Erin Rodriguez. Besides serving as an assistant, Harder also swam for Walker in club.
“They definitely saw a potential in me and made me believe I could do things I didn’t think I could do. They helped me realize I could make other athletes feel the same way,” Harder said. “I’m very thankful for all of my experiences in Illinois. Lyons really set me up to be successful. All [four] have been positive impacts on my coaching career.”
For the UCSB job, Harder previously had made connections with head coach Joe Rosen. LTHS senior Maeve Collins verbally committed to the Gauchos this past offseason.
“Division I jobs don’t really come up very often, especially at competitive Division I programs. When the job came up, I always knew I wanted to coach Division I, so I applied,” Harder said.
The UCSB men and women are the reigning Big West Conference champions.
Harder also is excited about the big move to California because he has extended family in the area.
“Obviously, Santa Barbara is one of the most gorgeous places in the United States,” Harder said. “I’m looking to pick up surfing, spend some beach time. I’m definitely glad I’m not having to bring my boots or a shovel.”
