What do you do when you're told that you're not fast enough, nor strong enough to make it in Division I lacrosse? If you're Tyler Hardy, then you set out to prove everyone wrong.
Hardy came into Duke a skinny freshman who was unsure about whether he could play with the best; he is now considered one of the top one or two defenseman in the game of men's lacrosse.
In his junior year, Hardy was a first team All-American and was named the NCAA Defensive Player of the Year, an award which usually goes out to seniors. Of all his awards, however, Hardy takes the most pride in receiving the Carmen Falcone Award. This award, which was named after strength coach Sonny Falcone's late father, is given to a junior athlete for outstanding character and athletic skills.
Hardy admits that he is a fairly talented lacrosse player, but he prefers to humbly accept his accolades rather than languish in the spotlight. When asked about his success, Hardy is quick to mention that lacrosse is a team sport and that he would not be successful without the help of his fellow senior defensemen David Stilley, Patrick Doyle, Greg Ehrnman and goalie Joe Kirmser.
Although Hardy likes to downplay his skill, his coaches, teammates and rival teams all recognize him to be, as fellow defenseman Greg Ehrnman said, a premier lacrosse in Division I lacrosse. Men's lacrosse coach Mike Pressler compares Hardy to Lawrence Taylor-a defensive player for whom the other teams must specifically prepare. Hardy's success comes as a result of incredible stick work, an uncanny anticipation for knowing where the ball is going and a good understanding of the game.
Tyler Hardy has been developing his skills ever since he began playing lacrosse in sixth grade in New Canaan, Ct. Although he currently plays long stick defense, Hardy began his career as a midfielder. He began playing defense when a teammate was injured, and his coach asked him to fill in for a while. Hardy took to the position quickly and by the time he was in high school, he was regarded in recruiting circles to be one of the top defenseman in the country.
After being courted by many top academic and athletic institutions, Hardy chose to attend Duke because he liked its coaches and the players better than any other schools'. Another added attraction was the fact that his aunt and uncle live close to the Durham area-family is very important to Hardy.
Hardy came into college smaller than most of the players he would be competing against. Instead of intimidating him, this motivated Hardy to get bigger and faster. In his freshman year, Hardy lifted weights daily and consumed enormous amounts of food. Hardy also paid close attention to the upperclassmen-his high school teammate, Scott Harrison, was a mentor for Hardy and made the adjustment to college life much easier. By the time the season rolled around, Hardy was ready to play-he played in all 16 games at long stick middie and received the team's co-rookie of the year award.
The co-rookie of the year award was the first of many accolades Hardy received. Each year he has shown marked improvement. In his sophomore year, he was named a third team All-American and All-ACC player. With all the awards he received his junior year, Hardy should have an impressive senior year as well.
"Tyler has exceeded all my expectations," Pressler said. "I knew he was good... and he can only get better."
Hardy is at the top of his game, and his goal for this season is very clear. He wants to go to the Final Four in his final season at Duke. This would be the season to do it, as the Blue Devils have 13 seniors and perhaps one of the best defensive units in the nation. Hardy is a quiet leader who is hoping to lead his team all the way.
"There are two things I can control," Hardy said. "Attitude and the effort I give. If I give the best effort and have a good attitude, it will help the team get better. If we all can do that, then we can go to the Final Four."
Leading by example is trademark Hardy. Hardy is a quiet guy on the field who prefers to let his stick do the talking.
"He's not a screamer and a yeller," Pressler said. "He's a man who leads through his deeds 24 hours a day on and off the field."
"He knows when to speak up and make his point," Pressler said. "When Tyler speaks, people listen.... His leadership is exceptional."
As the first one on the field and the last one off at the end of the day, Hardy is a driven athlete. He not only wants to improve himself, he also wants to help his teammates improve. During practice he regularly takes freshmen aside to give them pointers on skills.
"He has helped me with defending one-on-ones with attackmen," freshman defender Steve Card said. "He's a great guy to talk to about getting your skills better."
Although Hardy has earned more accolades than many athletes ever will, he keeps it all in perspective and feels he has to prove himself once again this spring.
"You earn more respect as you go," Hardy said. "But every year you start fresh. Everything in the past really doesn't mean anything anymore."
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