Professor Emeritus of German Language and Literature and former Kalamazoo College Head Men's Soccer Coach Hardy Fuchs died on February 3, 2026. Born in Poland and raised in Germany, Hardy first came to Kalamazoo College as a visiting international student on a Fulbright travel grant during the 1964–65 academic year. He enjoyed his time in the United States so much that he chose to make it his home, earning a master's degree from Indiana University in 1967 and a Ph.D. in German language and literature from Michigan State University in 1970. While completing his doctorate, Hardy returned to K in 1969 to teach German and coach soccer.

Hardy's thirty-two-year tenure as the head varsity men's Hornet soccer coach began when the soccer program at K was in its infancy. He went on to lead his teams to twelve MIAA championships and six NCAA Division III Tournament appearances. He compiled a career record of 343-137-36 (.700), including an MIAA record of 254-70-21 (.767), finishing his final season as the twenty-ninth winningest active men's soccer coach in NCAA Division III and thirtieth all-time. In recognition of his achievements, Hardy was named NCAA Great Lakes Regional Coach of the Year in 1988 and retired from coaching in 2002 after winning the MIAA title for the third consecutive year.

Beyond the field, Hardy spent thirty-three years as a professor of German language and literature at K, including three decades as chair of the German Department. He served in numerous leadership roles across campus, including chair of the Faculty Development and Athletic Committees, co-chair of the Admission Committee, and membership on several other faculty committees. He also received multiple faculty development grants, including Goethe Institute grants for study in Germany.

After retiring from teaching in 2005, Hardy remained actively engaged with Hornet athletics and international programs at the College, including coaching the alumni soccer team at the annual K alumni vs. varsity match. He was inducted into the Kalamazoo College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.

A memorial service is being planned for the spring, and an obituary will appear in an upcoming issue of LuxEsto.