Coach Hardy was a player on the 2009 Dimond Flag Football team that brought home the school’s first state championship. Now in her second year coaching with the program, first as varsity head coach, she brings a deep passion for the sport and a personal connection to Dimond’s flag football legacy. 

Off the field, Coach Hardy works in oncology, a role that offers daily reminders of human strength, perseverance, and the power of community. These lessons shape her approach to coaching: creating a team culture rooted in empathy, resilience, and respect.

She believes that wins are the result of preparation and unity; however, true success is measured by how players grow as teammates, leaders and individuals-both on and off the field.

Coach Garding is a proud Dimond High graduate, born and raised in Anchorage. Her love for the sport began in elementary school and only grew from there. She played four seasons of flag football at Dimond, leading the team as quarterback to its first-ever state championship.

With seven seasons of flag football experience, including time in Alaska’s women’s league, Coach Garding brings a deep passion and understanding of the game. She always hoped to stay connected to the sport through coaching, and when the opportunity presented itself, she was quick to take it.

Coach Garding is excited to rejoin the Lady Lynx, this time on the sidelines. She's eager to share her experience and help guide a new generation of young, talented athletes. 

Coach Middleton has more than 26 years of high school football coaching experience. He's helped bring a state championship to East, Bartlett and Dimond high school football programs.

He has a remarkable ability to connect with youth while building competitive and disciplined teams across different programs. This season is his first in flag football, and he’s excited to bring his experience and energy to our program. Coach Middleton is driven by a deep love for the game and a desire to help athletes reach their highest potential, both on and off the field.

Currently a teacher at Mears Middle School, Coach Middleton has spent the last seven years mentoring students in both academics and athletics. 

Coach Hines fell in love with football in elementary school, thanks to the encouragement of a dedicated PE teacher. She went on to win the NFL-sponsored Punt, Pass & Kick competition in Alaska two years in a row, earning a spot to compete nationally at the Seattle Seahawks' Lumen Field.

Coach Hines has first-hand experience with Dimond Flag Football, playing all four years in high school and helping win three state championships. She also brought home a state title as a member of the Dimond girls basketball team.

Her coaching philosophy centers on building confident, resilient athletes. She creates a supportive environment where young women can learn, grow and thrive, both on the field and in life. Coach Hines emphasizes teamwork, discipline and personal growth, teaching not only the fundamentals of flag football but also the value of leadership, accountability and sportsmanship. Her goal is to inspire every player to believe in themselves, compete with heart and leave the game with skills that last a lifetime.

Off the field, Coach Hines is the proud owner of Boom Coffee. Her dogs are named after San Francisco 49er players, Nick Bosa and Brock Purdy. 

Coach Norton is a second year coach with Dimond's flag program. She also teaches English at Dimond. Although she is a West High alumna (1988), both of her children attended Dimond (2021 and 2024). 

As a parent of two athletes, including a daughter who is now a college athlete, it is one of her passions to promote and support girls/ women's sports, the overall athlete and, most importantly, education. 

When she isn't coaching or teaching, you can find Coach Norton outdoors, especially hiking with her three furry kids (laborador dogs) and spending time with family. 

She welcomes visitors to stop by and say hello in her classroom, Upper B205.