After 18 seasons at the helm of Azusa Pacific women’s basketball, T.J. Hardeman, the all-time winningest coach in program history and the dean of the PacWest Conference, has announced his retirement. Hardeman leaves behind a legacy of excellence, having led the Cougars to eight consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, seven PacWest championships, and an NAIA national title in 2011.
“My 18 years at APU have been a daily blessing from God. The players and staff that I have worked with have all had a major impact in my life. The opportunity to follow Christ with a like-minded group of individuals is a rare treat. I have many people I would like to thank but most of all I want to thank God for leading me to APU,” said Hardeman.
Since taking over the program in 2007, Hardeman quickly established APU as a national powerhouse. In just his third season, he led the Cougars to the NAIA national championship game before winning it all the following year. Over his 18 seasons, Hardeman compiled a 429-128 (.770) overall record, including an astonishing 210-42 (.833) mark in PacWest play. His teams reached the 20-win plateau 14 times and made two NCAA Elite Eight appearances in 2019 and 2021.
One of the most dominant stretches under Hardeman came from 2023-2025, when the Cougars won 31 consecutive conference games. He also guided them to back-to-back-to-back PacWest regular season and tournament championships in 2022, 2023, and 2024. In the COVID-abbreviated 2020-21 season, he led an injury-ridden squad to an improbable NCAA West Region title, securing the program’s second Elite Eight appearance in three years.
Azusa Pacific Athletic Director Gary Pine praised Hardeman’s contributions to the university and the program, saying, “T.J. Hardeman has been the cornerstone of Azusa Pacific women’s basketball for nearly two decades. His leadership, faith, and competitive drive have left an indelible mark on our program, and his influence will be felt for years to come. He built a culture of excellence on and off the court, and we are forever grateful for his dedication to APU.”
Beyond his success on the court, Hardeman’s impact was felt through his mentorship and leadership. His coaching tree includes numerous former players and assistants who have gone on to successful coaching careers, and he leaves a legacy of faith-driven excellence that extends far beyond wins and losses.
A national search for the next head coach of Azusa Pacific women’s basketball will begin immediately.
Tagged with: D2 PacWest
