Greg Harden, who counseled countless people at the University of Michigan, including Tom Brady, Michael Phelps, Desmond Howard and J.J. McCarthy, has died. He was 75.
Michigan athletics spokesperson Dave Ablauf said the family informed the athletic department that Harden died Thursday due to complications from surgery.
Harden has spent the better part of five-plus decades as a life coach, motivational speaker, executive consultant, and social worker. Harden had retired from full-time service as Associate Athletic Director and Director of Athletic Counseling for Michigan Athletics (1986-2020) but continued to work with athletes and teams at Michigan to this day. Harden also spent the past three seasons working with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization as their peak performance coach.
Greg described his work in the following manner: "My real obsession is to convince an individual that they must determine for themselves what sort of man, what sort of woman they want to be. The goal is to make people experts on themselves."
He worked with thousands of Michigan student-athletes during his career, including Desmond Howard, J.J. McCarthy, Tom Brady, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard and Olympians Emily Brunemann and Jeff Porter, as well as Michael Phelps. Harden specialized as a mental coach for athletes, coaches, university personnel, executives, and others on the world's biggest stages. That he maintained close personal relationships with so many, even decades after their competitive or working days had ended, reflects the enormous impact of his work on their performance and lives.
At Michigan, Harden was instrumental in the design and implementation of student-athlete and staff development strategies. His collaborative style and efforts helped to strengthen the athletic department's connection with the larger university community.
He started his affiliation with the U-M Athletic Department in 1986 when hall of fame coach Bo Schembechler hired Harden as a staff consultant and student-athlete personal development program counselor.
Harden was President of Power One Performance, Inc. providing performance coaching to corporate executives, professional athletes, and community leaders. He was President of Unlimited Access Educational Services (UAES), a non-profit organization. Harden has also served as Senior Vice President of Associated Consultation and Training, Inc. (ACT) and Executive Director of Leaders in Prevention.
While many famous football players worked with Harden, he also was a trusted adviser for people in all sports and all walks of life, including broadcaster Michelle McMahon, who played volleyball at Michigan.
"He poured his heart into thousands of students, athletes, and celebrities alike without any expectation of gaining anything in return," McMahon said. "He dedicated his entire life to making a difference and investing in the growth of the young impressionable minds that were lucky enough to meet him."
"His captivating presence and charisma captured the rooms he walked in. Greg's gift to the world was his unwavering ability to help people see themselves fully, in full acceptance of their flaws and their gifts. His relentless approach made it impossible for his mentees to give up on themselves."
Harden's Legacy: Beyond the Playing Field
Harden's impact was immeasurable, impacting countless lives through his work with Michigan athletes.
Remembering Greg Harden: Tributes from Those He Touched
There was no shortage of tributes pouring out across the Wolverines community on Friday.
"There are no words I can form right now that can adequately express the profound loss I am feeling," Howard, the 1991 Heisman winner and 11-year NFL star said. "I was just 18 years old when I met Greg Harden after arriving at the University of Michigan. Greg was everything you could ever want in a friend, mentor and confidante. His guidance helped change the trajectory of my life and our friendship spanned nearly four decades."
"I'm so sad to hear the news of Greg's passing. I'm heartbroken as he was a dear friend and mentor. There are so many beautiful qualities Greg had that endeared him to so many people over his years at Michigan. He meant the world to me and I could never have had the success I had without the time, energy, love and support he had given me. He will be truly missed."
"There is no one better than Greg Harden and we are devastated as a Michigan family by this news. Greg has positively impacted the lives of so many student-athletes, coaches, and staff at Michigan. He made an unbelievable impact on my life. I am grateful and lucky to have had him in my life for the past 40 years. I will be forever indebted to Greg for all that he did to help shape me into the person that I am today."
Harden is survived by his wife Shelia, sister Lynette and children, Brian, Victor and Olivia.
Greg Harden, a Lasting Impression
The University of Michigan and the countless athletes who were fortunate enough to cross paths with Greg Harden mourn his passing. His legacy will endure through the lives he touched, reminding us all of the power of mentorship, guidance, and unconditional love. Harden's commitment to helping others achieve their full potential will continue to inspire future generations of Wolverines and beyond.
