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Things were going pretty well for Joanna Hardin. In 2016, she led McNeese State softball to a 43-14 record, the Southland Conference regular-season championship and league tournament title, and the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional. The Cowgirls posted a 79-34 record in her two seasons at the McNeese State helm. So what would draw her away from a successful program? "I'll be totally honest, we were very happy where we were and excited about life in Lake Charles," Hardin said. "But the opportunity presented itself, top 10 in the Director's Cup and a top-five public institution, it's the best of both worlds. "I think the quality of Virginia, the quality of the athletic department, the vision of the athletic depart- ment, beginning with Craig Littlepage talking about the direction of his vision; it was just so easy to jump on board with that." Hardin takes over a UVA program that posted a 95-167 overall record, including a 23-90 mark in ACC play, over the last five campaigns. Though Hardin experienced tremendous success in her short two-year head coaching stint, her coaching pedigree was not as extensive as that of other candidates — but Littlepage saw more than a résumé. "It's clear Jo is one of the bright stars in college softball as the success she's experienced at all levels of coaching is fueled with an enthusiastic and positive approach," the UVA athletics director said. "Her energy is contagious." BEHIND THE SCENES SOFTBALL COACH JOANNA HARDIN Hardin compiled a record of 79‑34 in her two seasons as the head coach at McNeese State. PHOTO BY MATT RILEY/COURTESY UVA