PINE BLUFF, AR. – It was a landmark day for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff as two iconic figures in Golden Lion athletics, former head football coach Lee A. Hardman Sr. and current head women's basketball coach Erica Smith (Taylor) Leak, were named to the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The distinguished duo, whose careers span generations and embody excellence across Arkansas athletics, now take their place among the state's most celebrated coaches, athletes, and leaders.  

UAPB Vice Chancellor & Director of Athletics Chris Robinson expressed tremendous pride in the honor:  

"This is a wonderful moment for Golden Lion Nation," said Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Chris Robinson. "To have both Coach Hardman and Coach Leak selected to the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026 is truly special. Their impact represents the very best of who we are at UAPB, excellence, perseverance, integrity, and leadership.

"Coach Hardman built a foundation of pride, toughness, and belief that still resonates throughout our football program today. His legacy is woven into the DNA of UAPB Athletics. Coach Leak continues to elevate our women's basketball program with her championship mindset, her passion for developing young women, and her commitment to building a culture that inspires greatness. The foundation she is laying will take our program to another level, something Golden Lion Nation is already excited about. Her impact on campus and in the community speaks to who she is not just as a coach, but as a leader and role model.

"This honor places them alongside some of the greatest figures in Arkansas sports history, and it brings tremendous pride to our state, our university, our alumni, and the entire Pine Bluff community. Their selection is a testament to their life's work, and we are grateful to celebrate this moment with them. They continue to set a powerful standard for Golden Lions everywhere, and we could not be more proud."

Lee A. Hardman Sr. 

Lee Hardman A. Sr., a Stuttgart, Arkansas native, one of the most accomplished and respected football coaches in Arkansas history, has earned his place in the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026. A standout defensive back at Arkansas AM&N from 1968–71, Hardman built a coaching legacy over more than three decades, defined by championships, player development, program rebuilding, and transformative leadership at both the high-school and collegiate levels.

Hardman began his head-coaching career at Dollarway High School in 1982, quickly turning the Cardinals into one of Arkansas's premier football programs. Over his dominant high-school tenure, he amassed an exceptional 117–38–1 record and captured four state championships, establishing a standard of excellence that still resonates across Arkansas prep football.

In 1993, Hardman returned to his alma mater to take over the UAPB football program following its reinstatement from the NCAA's Death Penalty. Tasked with one of the most difficult rebuilding challenges in college football, Hardman became the first coach in NCAA history to guide a program off the Death Penalty and record five wins, signaling a powerful turnaround and ushering in a new era for Golden Lion football.

Just one year later, Hardman engineered one of the greatest seasons in program history, leading UAPB to the 1994 NAIA Division I National Championship Game. He followed that success with a 1995 NAIA Semifinal appearance, solidifying the Golden Lions as a national contender.

As UAPB transitioned into the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in 1997, Hardman continued elevating the program. He produced multiple winning seasons, including back-to-back 8–3 campaigns in 1997 and 1998. He also became the first UAPB head coach to defeat all 10 SWAC opponents prior to conference expansion, an achievement unmatched in program history.

Over his 11-year collegiate tenure (1993–2003), Hardman compiled a 64–57 record, making him the winningest head football coach in UAPB history. His leadership guided the program through major transitions, restored national relevance, and produced some of the most competitive teams of the modern era.

Hardman later returned to Dollarway High School, serving in administrative and athletic roles from 2013–15 before resuming head-coaching duties from 2016–17. His continued leadership further stabilized the program and reinforced his lifelong commitment to mentoring young athletes.

With more than 180 career coaching victories, Hardman remains a towering figure in Arkansas athletics and a foundational pillar in UAPB football history. His induction into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame cements his legacy as one of the state's greatest football minds.

Hardman expressed deep gratitude for the honor of being selected to the Hall of Fame:

"It's a great honor, and I am very proud to be inducted. The Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame represents the highest level of recognition in our state, and the group I'm going in with is truly outstanding. It gives you chills knowing that my name will now be part of something so special. There were so many deserving individuals who could have been chosen, so to know that I was selected is incredibly humbling and deeply meaningful."

Career Highlights – Lee A. Hardman Sr.

• Compiled an elite 117–38–1 record at Dollarway High School

• Led Dollarway to four Arkansas state championships

• First coach in NCAA history to take a program off the Death Penalty and win five games

• Guided UAPB to the 1994 NAIA National Championship Game

• Led the Golden Lions to the 1995 NAIA Semifinals

• Produced back-to-back 8–3 seasons in 1997 and 1998

• First UAPB coach to defeat all 10 SWAC opponents pre-expansion

• Winningest head coach in UAPB football history (64–57)

• Achieved 180+ total coaching victories across high school and college

• Revered for discipline, physicality, culture-building, and player development

Erica Smith (Taylor) Leak 

Coach Leak has been inducted for her remarkable athletic career rooted in Arkansas tradition, competitive excellence, and lifelong dedication to the game of basketball.

Leak's story is one of natural talent, relentless drive, and a deep family legacy in Arkansas athletics. Growing up in a small town, basketball was more than a sport, it was a way of life. Competition shaped her development, and her family played a major role in her rise. She is the cousin of former Arkansas Razorback Carl Baker and former Ole Miss standout Jason Smith, both of whom competed on major collegiate stages. Their mentorship was pivotal throughout Leak's early basketball journey.

Before entering high school, Leak had already developed a championship mindset. She dominated at the junior high level, leading her teams to a perfect 53–0 record over three seasons, a streak that previewed the success that would follow.

At Palestine–Wheatley High School, Leak became one of the most decorated athletes in Arkansas prep history. She guided the Patriots to three consecutive state championship appearances from 1999 to 2001, capturing the state title her senior season and earning State Tournament MVP honors. In 2001, she was named a Parade All-American, solidifying her status as one of the nation's top high school players.

Leak also holds deep ties to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Most of her family members are proud UAPB graduates, creating a longstanding personal connection to the institution long before she arrived as head coach. That history made her return to lead the Golden Lions especially meaningful.

Leak took her talent to national powerhouse Louisiana Tech University, where she became one of the most versatile and impactful players in Lady Techster history. During her career, she earned two All-WAC selections, two All-WAC Tournament Team honors, two All-WAC Defensive Team selections, and was named to the WAC All-Freshman Team. She totaled 1,246 career points and 250 steals, ranking ninth all-time in program history, despite missing most of her senior season. Her legacy was further recognized with her selection to the Louisiana Tech All Quarter Century Team.

As a 2005 graduate, Leak helped lead the Lady Techsters to four straight Western Athletic Conference championships, earned WAC Freshman of the Year honors, and appeared in the NCAA Tournament in all four seasons.

Her collegiate success opened the door to the professional ranks, as she was selected 19th overall by the Washington Mystics in the 2005 WNBA Draft.

After her professional playing career, Leak returned home to Arkansas, where she continued to influence the next generation of athletes. In 2021, she led West Memphis High School to its first state championship game appearance since 2003. In 2024, she was named head women's basketball coach at UAPB, where she is now laying the foundation for a new era of growth, culture, and competitive excellence for the Golden Lions.

Her collegiate career at national powerhouse Louisiana Tech University further elevated her legacy. One of the most versatile players in Lady Techster history, Leak earned:

• Two All-WAC selections

• Two All-WAC Tournament Team honors

• Two WAC All-Defensive Team selections

• WAC All-Freshman Team honors
   

During her time at Louisiana Tech, Leak helped lead the program to:

• Four WAC championships

• Four NCAA Tournament appearances

• 2002 WAC Freshman of the Year honors
   

Leak expressed deep gratitude for the honor of being selected to the Hall of Fame:

"I'm honored to be named to the Hall of Fame Class… it's a surreal moment, and it allows you to reflect back on your life," Leak said. "It's a reflection of your life being recognized, all the blood, sweat, and tears you poured in. I'm very excited, because when you think of all the great people already inducted and then look at this year's class, it's humbling to be named among some of the greatest. I'm excited for my children and family to witness this, and I want to thank my AD for supporting me along with the Arkansas Hall of Fame committee."