glastonbury citizen Athlete of the Week: Molly Harding

GHS senior Molly Harding had a productive week, first committing to run track at Yale University and then starring for the Guardians field hockey team.

“I’m so honored to announce my commitment to Yale University to run Division I track,” stated Harding, “Huge shoutout to my family, friends, teachers, and coaches for making my biggest dream come true. Go Bulldogs!”  

After announcing her commitment to the prestigious university, the field hockey captain scored a season-high four goals as the Guardians defeated Simsbury 4-1 last Wednesday.  

“It was certainly a game I won’t forget,” Harding said of the four-goal explosion, “Having committed only a couple of days earlier, I came in feeling confident and ready to compete. I was fortunate enough to play a great game, but I never would have been able to do it without my team alongside me. As a team, we proved we could come together and play with high energy and intensity against another really strong team. I am looking forward to seeing how far we can take it this year as we near the end of our season and begin playoffs.”

Field hockey head coach Maureen Perkins said Harding is a complete student-athlete, “Yale has been a dream of hers and we're are so excited that she gets the chance to fulfill that dream. She's worked so hard in and out of the classroom to make this a reality and it is great when something like this can happen. In terms of field hockey, I think that most on the outside look at her and just see a really quick player, but she is so much more than that to our team. She is integral on both our offensive and defensive corners and has been one of the team's leaders in both goals and assists over the last few years. She feels a great deal of responsibility to make sure that the team is successful and I think that all of this has helped to explain the success the team has had over the last few years."

During the Outdoor Track & Field season in the spring, Harding won the 400 meters in the conference finals, but nagging injuries prevented her from competing with the team as the Guardians captured a Class LL state championship in June.

Prior to graduating and preparing for her new academic and athletic home in New Haven, Harding will be back with her hometown Track & Field team this upcoming spring as they aim to defend their title.

​“Over the course of my athletic career, I have been so fortunate to have such amazing and supportive teammates as well as coaches that have helped me every step of the way. I love field hockey and competing as a team, so that is certainly something I am going to miss as I go onto Yale and compete in track,” added Harding, “I chose Yale because it gave me the perfect balance of rigorous academics and Division I athletics. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve wanted to be a part of the Ivy League. With Yale being a short car ride away and a place where I had competed in several track meets before, it immediately felt like home. I am most excited for the chance to continue my academic career at the highest level possible while competing in a sport that I love.”