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Member of Toronto Maple Leafs coaching staff tragically passes away

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Samer Dagher
September 13, 2024 (2:07 PM)

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Toronto Maple Leafs performance coach Greg Harden

Photo credit: Greg Harden's X account

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Friday that their performance coach, Greg Harden, has passed away.

Harden was a key member of the Leafs' training staff, focusing on the mental conditioning of the entire team.

He was a well-known figure in the sports world, with a long and impressive career. Before joining the Leafs, Harden worked at the University of Michigan, where he counseled and mentored athletes. Some of the notable athletes he influenced include Tom Brady, Michael Phelps, Jalen Rose, and Desmond Howard, who all went on to have remarkable careers, particularly Brady and Phelps.

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Harden worked at the University of Michigan from 1986 until 2020 before shifting his focus to the Toronto Maple Leafs. His mental coaching was especially helpful in addressing the team's playoff struggles. In a statement, the Leafs said:

"Greg was a man with perpetual positivity. He was a source of strength, wisdom, and unwavering support for our entire organization. Our deepest condolences go out to Greg's family and loved ones during this difficult time."

Since the news of his passing, tributes have poured in from those who knew him well.

Tom Brady:

"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."

Jim Harbaugh:

"Greg Harden's purpose in life, as he often talked about, was helping others discover their own. His perspective was unlike anyone's I've ever met and his wisdom was unparalleled... Greg's life was one of service, whoally dedicated to helping others. He listened to you, he heard you but he never told you what to do, that was his brilliance. That was his gift."

Desmond Howard:

"There are no words I can form right now that can adequately express the profound loss I am feeling. 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.

We send our deepest condolences to Greg Harden's family and friends during this difficult time.

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13 SEPTEMBRE \| 47 ANSWERS Member of Toronto Maple Leafs coaching staff tragically passes away Please send your thoughts and prayers to Greg Harden and his family.
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