A familiar face will be absent from the sidelines this fall.
Jeff Harding resigned as the field hockey coach at Central Bucks South after three successful seasons at the helm. He also was the head coach at Central Bucks East from 1998 to 2002.
He leaves behind quite a legacy.
At CB South, his teams won three consecutive SOL Continental Conference titles while compiling a record of 56-7-2. The Titans captured the District One AAA title in 2012 and advanced to the PIAA Class AAA Tournament in both 2012 and 2013.
During his five-year tenure at CB East, the Patriots won five consecutive conference championships and one district title. They were two-time PIAA Class AAA finalists, winning the state championship in 2002. His record at East was 100-14-8.
His combined record at CB East and CB South is a dazzling 156-21-10, but talk to Harding, and it’s not the wins and losses he’ll remember most.
“I have been so lucky to work with so many great kids and families over my eight years of coaching in Central Bucks,” the veteran coach said. “My relationships with these families and former players still continues today, and they have used sports and a great academic district to propel themselves in life.
“Central Bucks is so good to their student-athletes, and I could not have asked for more as a coach. While the teams were able to be successful on the field, there is no fonder memory than seeing a former player be successful in life. This is where I feel our connection, relationship and building something together has made the greatest impact.”
Stepping in to replace Harding will be former Methacton and Penn State standout Brittany Grzywacz.
“I am happy that CB South has found someone in Brit,” Harding said. “I have known her for years, and she will bring the same values to the program. I wish the program and each player the utmost success in the future.”
Another factor in Harding’s decision to step down was the opportunity to follow the collegiate careers of daughters Madison and Mackenzie. Both are playing field hockey at Villanova University.
“Coaching on a year-round basis is stressful it takes a toll on your family life,” he said. “I am looking forward to watching my two girls play together. I am so proud of them.”
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