Cole Hardtke joins the Trojans’ coaching staff after serving an as assistant coach for one season at his alma mater, Wisconsin Lutheran College.

Last season, the Warriors went 27-4 overall and secured the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 appearance. WLC won the NACC title for a third consecutive year with a 16-2 mark and was ranked inside the top 10 of the D3hoops.com poll.

Nationally, Wisconsin Lutheran ranked eighth in turnover margin (6.0), ninth in scoring margin (14.3), and 13th in three-point percentage defense (28.6). The Warriors became just the second program in the 19-year history of the NACC to win at least two games in the national tournament.

Prior to his stint at WLC, Hardtke was an assistant coach at Seward County Community College in Liberal, Kansas.

The Lombard, Illinois native played four seasons (2019-2023) for the Warriors, winning three NACC regular season championships and a NACC Tournament title under head coach Aaron Aanonsen. 

Hardtke earned all-state honorable mention, all-conference, and all-area accolades at Glenbard South High School.