Alabama Soccer Adds Hanna Gardner as Assistant Coach
6/26/2023 3:25:00 PM | Soccer
Gardner is a former U20 U.S. National Team member with coaching experience in the USL and NWSL
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Hanna Gardner was named an assistant coach for the Alabama soccer team, head coach Wes Hart announced on Monday.
"We are thrilled to add Hanna to the Bama soccer family." Hart said. "She has a wealth of experience and knowledge that will help our program continue to grow. Hanna is young, energetic and eager to both teach and learn. She is one of the top young coaches in the country and a huge addition to our staff."
Gardner joins the Crimson Tide with coaching experience in both the United Soccer League (USL) and the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Most recently, she served as the director of high performance for the Charleston Battery (USL), after working as the high performance coach for the Kansas City Current (NWSL). Gardner was also an elite student-athlete, competing for the University of North Carolina where she won a national title in 2012 and led the Tar Heels to a 2016 College Cup appearance while serving as team captain.
"I'm absolutely buzzing to join the Crimson Tide family and am so grateful for the warm welcome into this renowned institution of athletic excellence," Gardner said. "Coach Hart's work in elevating this program to national prominence is truly inspiring. His infectious energy and dedication resonates throughout this team, and I look forward to working with and learning from him daily. Alabama's rich tradition of success and unwavering community support make it an exceptional place. I'm committed to continuing the growth of this program and helping our athletes reach their highest potential, both on and off the pitch. Roll Tide!"
Hanna Gardner Bio
- Worked with the Charleston Battery for the 2022 season as the director of high performance
- Responsible for physical performance, development and injury prevention
- Led return-to-play individual and group sessions for injured athletes
- Served as high performance coach with the Kansas City Current for the 2021 season
- Created weekly programming aimed at targeted training loads
- Prior to Kansas City, worked as the head coach for North Carolina FC Youth (2019-21, spring 2023) in addition to coaching for the North Carolina Olympic Development program (2019-21)
- Began coaching career as an assistant coach with North Carolina FC in 2019
- Three-year U20 U.S. National Team member
- University of North Carolina soccer team member and four-year starter after walking on to the team (2012-16)
- Scored the game-winning goal in the 2012 national championship game
- Named team captain in 2016 and led the Tar Heels to a College Cup appearance
Get all the latest information on the team by following @AlabamaSoccer?on Twitter and Facebook and?AlabamaSoccer?on Instagram. General athletic news can also be found at UA_Athletics on Twitter and Instagram and?AlabamaAthletics?on Facebook.
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