Augustana University Athletics

             A teammate once described Augustana setter Monica Harden as the player with “the hands of gold.”
            “We were offensively so consistent and balanced due to Monica’s hands of gold as a setter,” said Renae Klein Kuchta. “She was able to give our hitters the best opportunity to have success at the net all while being a motivating leader on the court.”
            Kuchta’s evaluation is spot on. Harden is among the best setters in the history of Augustana volleyball.
            She holds the school career record for set assists in a season (1,755) and for a single match (80 vs. No. 4 Nebraska-Kearney in 1996). She is fourth on the career list for assists (4,283). With Harden setting the pace, the Vikings won 82 matches in three seasons.
            In 1996, Augustana was ranked fourth nationally and was seventh the next season. The Vikings tied for first place in conference play in 1996 (16-2) and 1997 (15-3). Augustana advanced to the NCAA Division II tournament both years.
            “Every game was memorable,” said Harden. “My favorites looking back were anytime we played NDSU. They were always tough matches and very competitive.”
            She also relished “the feeling of elation after a tough win.”
            Harden was chosen to the All-North Central Conference team in 1996 and 1997. In 1996 she was named to the University of North Florida Invitational All-Tournament Team. In 1996 and 1997 she was chosen to the North Central All-Region Team.
            The individual accolades were well deserved, but Harden was the ultimate team player and has many fond memories of her coaches and teammates.
            “Melissa Lathrop gave me my nickname I still have today. My family and friends still call me Mo. My coaches, Kim Sudbeck and Stephanie Barth, were amazing. They believed in me as a transfer athlete. And I loved watching Ann Sieckert jump out of the gym and nail the ball on the 10-foot line.”
            Sieckert was one of the most powerful outside hitters in Augustana volleyball annals. She was the NCC Player of the Year in 1996. At one time, with Harden doing the setting, Sieckert held the school records for kills.
            The 1996 team was honored at Augustana University’s 2016 Athletic Hall of Fame banquet. Before the beginning of the season, NCC coaches tabbed Augustana to finish fifth. The Vikings hosted the North Central Region Tournament as the No. 2 seed. Augustana’s 32-4 record set school marks for most wins, fewest losses and highest winning percentage (.889) in a season. The conference title was the first for the program.
            Dr. Dennis Larson and Mel Klein were members of the Augustana staff to have a supportive influence on Harden.
            “Dr. Larson told me about occupational therapy, which I had never heard of. Mel Klein was an Augustana legend. I got to spend a lot of time with the Klein family being his daughter, Renae (Kuchta), was my bestie.”
            Harden is a pediatric occupational therapist with Grant Wood AEA. She has two children, Aiden and Zoe. She plays guitar in a band called Harvest Court and each year tries to ride a few days of RAGBRAI (The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa).”
The event is sponsored by the Des Moines Register.
            Augustana University is proud to induct Monica Harden into the Athletic Hall of Fame.