David Harden heads into his first season as pitching coach and recruiting coordinator for the Chicago State baseball team.

He joins the Cougars after completing a five-year professional career that included playing for the Southern Illinois Miners (Frontier League), Somerset Patriots (Atlantic League) and the EDA Rhinos (Chinese Professional League).

A native of Marietta, Ga., Harden started his collegiate career at Mercer University before transferring to top NAIA power Southern Poly State University. He helped the Hornets post a 102-23 record over his two seasons while winning the SSAC Conference Tournament title and advanced to the NAIA College World Series.

During his professional career, Harden threw over 450 innings and competed on two championship teams to go along with receiving two all-star nominations.