Tanner Hardy is in his fourth year as Lenoir-Rhyne’s Director of Player Personnel and Creative Media.
His primary role with the Bears is to develop and execute creative media strategies while providing oversight and support toward all academic and recruiting operations for the LR football program. Hardy will also assist in implementing fundraising initiatives and help manage aspects of day-to-day operations.
Hardy, a native of Hickory, NC, joined the LR football program in July of 2019 after serving as Director of Business Development for Tailgatehouse in Atlanta, Ga. He was primarily responsible for creating and presenting innovative corporate sponsorship packages while establishing relationships with a variety of popular brands including Lyft, Vineyard Vines, Wingstop and Entercom.
Prior to Tailgatehouse, he worked as an account coordinator for Norris Sports Group in Naples, Fla., managing the marketing campaigns of clients Amway, USA TODAY Sports and the American Football Coaches Association. During his time with NSG, Hardy oversaw all daily operational aspects of the Amway Coaches Trophy Tour, a nationwide tour consisting of experiential marketing activations at the stadiums of teams ranked in the weekly Amway Coaches Poll throughout the 2017 college football season.
From 2014 to 2017, Hardy spent three seasons as a student associate in the football operations and communications departments of the University of Alabama football program. During his time with the Crimson Tide, Hardy helped organize and manage all team travel arrangements, including the 2016 and 2017 CFP National Championship games. He also assisted with daily website content creation, facilitated interviews with national media and helped implement 16 national individual award campaigns, including 2015 Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry.
In the summer of 2016, Hardy gained valuable experience serving as a public relations intern throughout training camp with the Washington Redskins.
Hardy holds two degrees from The University of Alabama, completing his master’s degree in sports business management in December 2016 after receiving his bachelor’s degree in communication studies in May 2015.
