Laura Harmon, whose coaching resume includes nine seasons of service at the collegiate level, has been hired as the University of Minnesota Duluth's head women's cross country and track and field coach. 

"I'm thrilled to become part of the Bulldog family and immerse myself and my family in the community of Duluth and UMD," said Harmon. "Becoming the leader of the UMD women's track and field and cross country programs is an incredible opportunity for me in my career. I know my coaching experience at multiple levels has prepared me to take the women's programs to even higher levels in the classroom and in competition in the NSIC and on the regional and national stages

"Thank you to (UMD Athletic Director) Josh Berlo, (UMD Senior Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator) Karen Stromme and (UMD Assistant Athletic Director) Abbey Strong and (UMD Associate Athletic Director and Sport Track Administrator) Jay Finnerty, and the rest of the search committee for their confidence in my leadership and welcoming me to the department with open arms."

Harmon currently is the head women's cross country and track and field coach at Sierra College, a two-year institution in Rocklin, Calif. She helped resurrect those two programs in 2016 after a seven-year hiatus and since that time has directed the Wolverines to a pair of berths in the California State Junior College Championships. Prior to joining the Sierra College staff, Harmon was employed at a trio of NCAA Division I  schools --  Sacramento State University (head men's and women's cross country and assistant track and field coach; 2015-16), Texas Christian University (head men's and women's cross country and assistant track and field coach; 2014-15) and Oregon State University (assistant women's cross country and track and field coach; 2011-2014). Sacramento State claimed an Big Sky Indoor Track and Field championship during her tenure.

Harmon, a native of Vancouver, Washington, enjoyed a rewarding four-year running career at the University of Oregon. As a senior in 2004, she qualified for her second NCAA Division I Cross Country Championship and attained All-American status. Harmon, who was a two-year Duck team captain, also took part in a pair of NCAA I national track and field meets in the 5,000-meter run and was a four-time NCAA I regional qualifier in the 1,500- and 5,000-meter runs.

After graduating from Oregon in 2005 with a B.S. Degree in psychology, Harmon returned to her alma mater -- Jesuit High School in Beaverton, Ore. -- to enter the coaching arena. As the assistant girl's cross country and track and field coach from August 2005 to June 2009, she was part of four Oregon State 6A cross country title-winning teams. Harmon also coached three Crusaders to Oregon 6A individual state track and field crowns.

Harmon, who received a Master's Degree in Kinesiology from Fresno Pacific University this past summer, and her husband, Taylor, have one daughter (Quinn).

"We are honored to welcome Laura Harmon to Bulldog Country and the UMD Athletics family," said Berlo. "Our student-athletes will be well served and supported by her extensive coaching experience and diverse expertise.  We are excited about the future of UMD women's cross country and track and field and for Laura to elevate the program to even greater success academically and competitively."

Harmon officially starts at UMD on Nov. 26.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT LAURA HARMON

"This is a great hire for UMD not only for the track and field and cross country teams but also for the university and athletic department  overall. Laura brings a wealth of knowledge, energy and passion. I m excited for UMD and for Laura and her family."
Kelly Sullivan
Head  Men's and Women's Cross Countryand Track & Field Coach - Seattle University.
Former Head Women's Cross Country and Track and Field Coach - Oregon State University

"Laura is the perfect head coach for UMD. She has the ability to connect with student-athletes and develop their talent while bringing out the best in them as people. Laura is a natural leader and a great female role model who is respected in the coaching ranks. Laura is a great addition to the athletic department and will have an immediate impact on the UMD programs." 
Rhonda Riley
Head Women's Cross Country Head Coach and Assistant Track and Field Coach - Duke University

"Laura is a true program builder. She resurrected a once proud Sierra College program and in her first two seasons coached the individual cross country champion and this year tied for the team championship. She has a unique ability to develop student athletes holistically. Not only do her teams excel in competition but they are also excellent students and members of the community"
Lucas Moosman
Executive Dean of Student Success and Former Athletic Director - Sierra College

"I was only an athlete of Coach Harmon's for one season each of cross country, indoor and outdoor track but she has a way about her that made it feel as if it were for much longer. As an athlete with two previous coaches and going in to my last season, I was apprehensive to getting a new coach. Coach Harmon changed my mind immediately. She made the transition seamless with her energy and passion for high level, collegiate running and people. She was a decorated athlete at the University of Oregon, is an experienced Division I coach and a great person. I'm excited for her for this new endeavor. UMD has gained a driven and passionate Bulldog."
Chloe Berlioux
Former Student-Athlete, School Record Holder, Big Sky Conference Champion, and NCAA I Qualifier - Sacramento State University