Soccer
- Title:
- Assistant Coach
- Email:
- hgardner@ia.ua.edu
- Phone:
- 205-348-3600
- Hometown: Chicago, Ill.
- Education: North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2016; North Carolina at Greensboro, 2021
- Birthday: September 10
- 2023-present: Alabama, Assistant Coach
- 2012-16: UNC at Chapel Hill
Hanna Gardner joined the Crimson Tide as an assistant coach in June of 2023.
"We are thrilled to add Hanna to the Bama soccer family," Wes 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."
"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!"
Alabama (2023-present)
- Helped lead the Tide to an NCAA Tournament appearance as UA reached the second round Â
- Alabama finished fourth in the SEC, the team's second-best finish since 1998
- UA held a national ranking all season
- Saw three players earn All-SEC First Team honors in Felicia Knox, Gianna Paul and Gessica Skorka, while Nadia Ramadan was named an all-freshman team honoree
- UA reached the quarterfinals of the 2023 SEC Tournament
- Helped coach NWSL draft pick Felicia Knox (Angel City FC) Â
Prior to Alabama
- Charleston Battery (USL Championship) Director of High Performance for the 2022 season
- Responsible for player physical performance, development, injury resistance, and return-to-play from injury.
- Periodization, load monitoring, and session prescription to meet desired physical load outcomes.
- Kansas City Current (NWSL) High Performance Coach for the 2021 season
- Specialized in GPS, Polar Heart Rate, subjective wellness, methods of recovery, return-to-play progression, and metabolic nutrition for performance.
- North Carolina FC Youth Head Coach (2019-21, Spring 2023) and North Carolina Olympic Development Program Coach (2019-21)
- Began coaching at North Carolina FC Youth as an Assistant to Cindy Parlow Cone: two-time Olympic Gold medalist, 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup champion, and Head Coach of the first NWSL Champion Portland Thorns FC. Â
- University of North Carolina four-year starter and Captain (2012-16)
- Earned a starting spot freshman year as a walk-on, went on to score the winning goal in the 2012 National Championship game.
- Named team Captain in 2016, led the Tar Heels to a College Cup appearance.
