KAMLOOPS – At the end of an historic career with the Thompson Rivers WolfPack men's soccer team,
Jackson Gardner is taking the next step in his athletic journey after signing his first-ever professional contract with Glenorachy Knights FC in Australia.
"I feel like the stars aligned over the last five years; I've gotten to build lifelong relationships, get a quality education and experience moments that will live with me forever," said Gardner.
After taking over the starting position in his first year, Gardner departs the program as the WolfPack leader in saves, wins and shutouts. At the conference level, he finishes his career fourth overall in goals against average (0.99) and eighth in shutouts (16).
"My career at TRU has been unbelievable," said Gardner. "I've had the pleasure of working with an amazing coaching staff who have been integral in my development. I feel so lucky to have learned from the guidance of my past teammates and everyone involved with WolfPack athletics."
Gardner featured in every minute played during the WolfPack's 2022 run to capture the U SPORTS National Championship on home soil. En route to gold, he made nine saves on top of five penalty shot stops in three shootout victories. His final save as a WolfPack athlete was one to set up the national championship victory.
Thinking back to that frigid week in November, Gardner can only describe the experience as a storybook ending. "The support from the community, the scenes after, just everything was unbelievable," Gardner states. "Without a doubt, the best moment of not only my career but my life."
Glenorchy Knights FC play in the 2nd division of the National Premier League (NPL) Tasmania. Founded in 1957, the club is based in Hobart, Tasmania. The team won the league two seasons ago and finished fourth in the previous season. "They're an extremely competitive side and I'm eager to bring the league title back where it belongs," Gardner says. "I can't wait to bring everything that I've learnt during my time with the WolfPack to Australia."
Known for his exuberant celebrations this season that include racing out to the halfway line to dance in front of fans and doing the Macarena in the national championship shootout, Gardner leaves behind a legacy of excellence for the men's soccer team, the athletic department and the entire city of Kamloops.
As the Gardner closes his chapter with the WolfPack, he turns a new page to a lifelong dream. "When I first committed to TRU, I had a vision that always ended with me becoming a professional footballer," said Gardner. "It's like a dream come true."
