ANDERSON, S.C. — Anderson University Director of Cross Country and Track & Field Kevin Eagle has announced the addition of Assistant Coaches Emma Whitaker (Distance) and Lambdin Hardy (Pole Vault).
Whitaker joins the team as the distance assistant coach after an accomplished career as a recent 2026 graduate of the track & field program at Anderson where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication. A four-year member of the program, Whitaker excelled on and off the track, receiving multiple USTFCCCA All-Region honors and CSC Academic All-District distinctions. She currently holds the women's indoor and outdoor 800m record after a successful senior campaign, resulting in an 800m victory at the SAC Track & Field Indoor Championships.
"We are excited to have Emma join our staff for this upcoming year as she brings tons of experience on what it takes to be successful within our program." said Eagle. "I hated losing her as an athlete at the end of last season but seeing her start her coaching journey within our program brings me the same amount of joy."
Hardy also a 2026 graduate of Anderson, joins the black and gold as the pole vault assistant coach after a successful collegiate career with the Trojans where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Special Education. A four-year member of the track & field program, Hardy received multiple USTFCCCA All-Region honors while also securing a program record in the men's pole vault.
"Having Lambdin, aka "Lambo," on our coaching staff this year is a true privilege." said men and women's track & field head coach Caleb Stephenson. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in pole vault, along with a firsthand understanding of what it takes to compete at a high level and become a conference champion. As a former leader on our team, he understands the culture, expectations, and work ethic required to be successful. We are excited to add him to our coaching staff and know he will be a tremendous asset to our athletes and program."
The Trojans are anticipating an exciting season with a talented incoming class and will open the 2026 Cross Country campaign on Saturday, September 19th at the Converse XC Classic hosted by Converse University in Spartanburg, S.C.
