SALT LAKE CITY – Westminster College Director of Athletics Shay Wyatt has announced that Niki Harding has been named the new head coach of the Westminster Women's Lacrosse program. Harding spent the 2009 season as the lead assistant coach for the Griffins and will take over for Soni Bartlett who stepped down from her role last month.

“I would like to thank Coach Bartlett for her efforts in establishing our women's lacrosse program this past season. I was pleased Coach Harding chose to accept our head coach position and build upon the foundation Soni had established. Coach Harding was highly recommended by Coach Bartlett and other's to lead our women's lacrosse program. I felt from many aspects she was the right candidate for Westminster and our women's lacrosse program. I look forward to working with Niki and supporting her efforts in building our women's lacrosse program further,” stated Wyatt.

Harding is the Program Coordinator for the Utah Lacrosse Association. She handles the day-to-day operations and finances for the operation, along with developing policies, budgets, and schedules. Prior to joining the Griffins, Harding served as the head coach for the Woods Cross High School women's lacrosse team. She also spent time as the Commissioner for the U.L.A. Junior and Thunder Girl's League.

The women's lacrosse team went 3-6 during their initial season of 2009. The season began with two wins at home against Wyoming and Northern Colorado. The Griffins finished 2-3 in games played on Dumke Field. They will return 19 players from the inaugural team, many that played big roles for the 2008 squad.