Hardeman, a native of Mansfield, Ohio, was a member of the cross country team at Mansfield Senior High School. Her personal best time came of 24:25 came in 2006 at the district race held at Galion. She was also selected for her team’s Most Improved Award.

"I am excited about adding DeAnna to our women’s cross country team,” said MVNU head coach Chip Wilson. "She is the seventh incoming freshman for the 2008 season, and she is joining a strong group of runners. She has a lot of potential and I am anxious to see what she can do at the college level. One award that she received in high school that stands out to me is her Most Improved Award. This tells me that she is going to work hard throughout the season. I am looking for her to have a strong first season as a Lady Cougar.”

In addition to being involved in cross country at Mansfield Senior, Hardeman received the Spanish Honors Award in 2005 and was the secretary of Student Council in 2006.

"I chose MVNU for several reasons,” said Hardeman of her college choice. "It gives me an opportunity to grow closer to God. The campus experience is amazing and it is a safe environment. Also, the university is close to home, which is convenient whenever I need to go home. I also like the fact that it is a small school.”

The MVNU cross country program was reborn in the fall of 2006 after not having a program since the 1979 season. The Lady Cougars have been competitive in their first two seasons back on the college cross country map as evidenced by the team’s results as MVNU finished 10th at the AMC/NAIA Region IX meet in 2007 and 21st out of 24 teams at the National Christian College Athletic Association meet.