When Coach John Harder retired from Southeast High School in 2019, he had a total of 827 wins, three State Champion titles, seven Final Four appearances and 22 district champion trophies for Girls Basketball. He received countless accolades throughout his 46-year career, including Florida Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year and NHSACA 2019 National Girls Basketball Coach of the Year.
In 2021, a new honor for Coach Harder, a man known for his kindness, school spirit, signature shoes and plaid jacket. The Florida High School Athletic Association, or FHSAA, inducted Coach Harder into their Hall of Fame along with seven other highly accomplished student-athletes, coaches, administrators and officials from around the state.
During a ceremony in Gainesville, Coach Harder was surrounded by loved ones and his Southeast High School family. His first and last principals, Dr. Pat Lucas and Rosa Faison, marked the occasion with a photo. Click the link below to download an emotional message that Coach Harder recorded for his former colleagues, students and fans.