Joely Gardiner '25 Recruiting Profile

I have always loved and challenge and I think my coaches know it. I have been moved from anywhere in the midfield to Centerback (Yes even at 5'1")!! and Outside back and wingback. I have embraced the variety and the challenge of adaptation on the pitch. My coaches have always told me...we have to put you where we need you. Some may look at this as a problem, I embraced it.

With my previous Club, I have really enjoyed working in the OB and Defensive CM position. My current coach where I am guest playing (and private coach) has thrown me in the 10 position and says this is where you belong. To summarize it, I just belong on the pitch whenever that coach sees fit. I work hard, challenge myself at practice and in the games. 

I hold myself and others to a high standard which helps make me a natural leader. I am the Vice President of DECA at my school and so leadership is something I am very proud of and I take very personal. I have learned through years of being on teams where teammates had the "all about me" attitude and their leadership was not supportive to a solid team environment, leaving teammates including myself feeling less than adequate. Having this determination to change the environment on the teams I am on and lead by example keeps me focused and striving to be the best player I can be on the pitch. I like to help others do the same so they can be the best version of themselves out there and play free, not encumbered by the poor attitudes that may be around them.

Last summer, I was selected to play for a traveling team to Australia and New Zealand, playing 2 years up and this summer I have been asked to play again with the U19's in Netherlands, France and finally in Spain for the Donosti cup leaving in June 2024. I consider this an honor as there was semi pro players, high level college players and top club players there for the tryouts. I love the fact that soccer has awarded me such opportunities I would never had without it.

I have played GA, ECRL and DPL leagues in my career and now I am looking at college for my next soccer experience. I want a good solid culture on the team I play for, with a coach that is tough but fair and can pull the best out of me and my teammates. I am looking for a solid business program to continue my studies and work toward my MBA.

I am currently in the Business pathway at Liberty Highschool and made it to top 10 in CA at the DECA competition for start up business plan. I recently competed again at the Bison Business battle taking home the coveted Championship Bison Glass.