Biography

“James Gardner is an outstanding example for successful high school soccer coaches,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “They place a high value on the teamwork skills players learn for success in the classroom and on the field, and we are proud to be honoring him.”

Gardner’s teams at Cheyenne East have been a Wyoming powerhouse for many years. He coached the Lady Thunderbirds to seven Class 4A state titles, including back-to-back state crowns in 1987-88, 1995-96 and 2001- 02.   James also  led them to six state runner-up finishes and a third-place showing. He also is a board member of the Cheyenne Sting club, which helps feed both East and cross-town rival Cheyenne Central High.

Gardner’s teams also are outstanding in the classroom, having been recognized as Academic Team All-Americans by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America with a 3.71 overall grade-point average (GPA) in 2002 and a 3.53 overall GPA in 2003.

Gardner retired from Cheyenne in 2002 when he took over the Laramie County Community College’s soccer team. Gardner just completed his 18th year at LCCC. He holds a career record of 250-70-28 at LCCC.