Young Harris College Athletics

Belle Hardwick, from Charlotte, North Carolina, came to the Enchanted Valley in 2020, while the Mountain Lions were under the direction of Samantha Hurley. Before the 2021 season began, Christine Hatton came to Young Harris to turn the program’s woes around, and Hardwick’s playing time saw a major jump as a sophomore, where she started in twelve games. As the seasons progressed, Belle saw her playing time progress and skill on the field develop under Hatton’s tutelage. 

During her five-year career with the Young Harris College women's lacrosse team, Belle Hardwick played in 62 games, starting 39 of them. She scored 76 goals and recorded 73 assists, totaling 149 points. She took 168 shots, with 131 of them on goal, and secured two game-winning goals. Additionally, she picked up 53 ground balls and caused 36 turnovers. The most impressive statistic? Hardwick amassed 53 of her 76 career goals in her senior season alone.  

Belle Hardwick's outstanding performance on the field earned her numerous accolades during her time at Young Harris College. She was named to the Second Team All-Conference and earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team, reflecting her skill and consistency throughout her career. Hardwick also led her team in free position goals, showcasing her ability to capitalize on key scoring opportunities. She was recognized as "Mountain Lion of the Week" twice, further highlighting her impact as a player. In her senior season, she finished second on the team in total points with 83, a testament to her offensive prowess and playmaking abilities. Serving as team captain in her final year, Hardwick's leadership and dedication were instrumental in guiding her team and cementing her legacy as a key contributor to the program's success. 

Hardwick is an alumnus of Young Harris College, as she graduated from YHC with a bachelor’s degree in Sport and Recreation Studies and a minor in Communication. Belle Hardwick gained valuable coaching experience by working with several well-regarded lacrosse programs during the summers. She coached for Ultimate CLT, where she helped develop young athletes' skills and fostered their passion for the game. Additionally, she served as a coach for Xcelerate Lacrosse, working at summer camps hosted by various colleges. Additionally, Belle works at Young Harris College as the Dual Enrollment and Distance Learning Assistant.