Riverside High School names Rob Hardy as new athletic director

Rob Hardy currently serves as assistant athletic director at Gilbert High School. He will start at Riverside on August 1.

On April 29, Riverside High School announced the hiring of Robert “Robbie” Hardy, Jr. as its next athletic director.

Hardy has 23 years of teaching and 28 years of coaching experience, and he currently serves as the assistant athletic director at Gilbert High School in Lexington, SC.

He replaces current Riverside athletic director Michael Pettit, who accepted the same role at Chapman last month.

“What I love about Riverside High School is that I know they’re 100 percent on board with athletics,” said Hardy. “That’s one of the things that attracted me the most. [Riverside] is at the forefront of high school athletics every year.

“Riverside is continually in the top 10 of Carlisle Cup standings every year. Now, as we make the jump to 5-A, it’s an opportunity for this school to keep improving and get even better.”

Hardy has coached football, basketball, and baseball at Ben Lippen, Indian Land, Ridge View, Irmo, Palmetto Prep, and Gilbert High Schools during his career. 

He said another major factor in his move to Riverside was what it offers for his family. Hardy is married to his wife, Lea, and they have three children—Tyler, Scott, and Greyson. 

Greyson is a rising sophomore and will play baseball at Riverside next year.

“I didn’t want to make this decision all about me,” Hardy said. “I wanted this to be a good fit for my family, too. So I asked ahead of time why my child should attend Riverside High School. Once I was shown everything this school offers its students, I was immediately sold. It’s a great environment.”

Hardy says he’s ready to “roll up his sleeves and get to work” as he embarks on his new journey with the Warriors. His official start date isn’t until August 1, but the new AD already has the itch to hit the ground running.

“I’d come in here tomorrow and get started if they’d let me,” Hardy said, laughing. “But this is all just super exciting. This school is getting someone with a true passion for sports and young athletes. I can’t wait to start.”