CEDAR CITY, UTAH -- Before Whitney Gardner became one of the most decorated players in Southern Utah University soccer history, she was a nervous kid on the verge of backing out of her very first game. "I actually cried when my mom signed me up for soccer the first time," Gardner recalled. "I was so scared that I'd have to play in the big stadiums in front of lots of people." Once her mom calmed her fears and explained it was just rec league, Gardner agreed to give it a shot. She scored in that first game, and everything changed. "I was immediately hooked."
Now, years later, with more than 50 college games under her belt and her name already among the greatest to wear a Southern Utah jersey, Gardner is preparing for her final season in Cedar City.
"I think it was around eighth grade when I really decided I wanted to play college soccer," she said. "The road was bumpy at times, but I had the best family and supporters who helped me keep going." That determination paid off. Gardner entered the collegiate scene with an already historic résumé, having scored 198 career goals in high school — a Utah state record. But even with that kind of success, picking the right school meant everything.
Gardner chose Southern Utah University because of the connection she felt immediately. "Coach Kai made me feel right at home. I always wanted to play in-state at the highest level, and SUU gave me that chance," she said. "They took a chance on me, and I'm so grateful to come back for a fifth year. Representing Southern Utah has been one of the greatest honors of my life."
Gardner has lived up to — and exceeded — every expectation. In 2023, she led the Thunderbirds in goals (5), assists (5), and total points (15), proving herself to be one of the most dangerous and consistent attacking threats in the WAC. She followed that with another standout season in 2024, again topping the team with four goals, three assists, and 11 total points across 14 matches. She ranks among the all-time leaders in SUU history in both goals and points, but her contributions go far beyond the stat sheet.
There was one moment in particular that sticks with her — the 2023 WAC Tournament.
"We were losing to Seattle U 1–0 at halftime, and I remember the whole team was fighting so hard to tie it up," she said. "I don't think I'll ever forget the feeling of shooting and seeing the ball hit the back of the net in that game. That was pure joy." SUU ultimately fell 2–1, but for Gardner, that game sparked a fire that still burns. "It motivated me to work even harder to help the team get back."
Off the field, Gardner's drive is just as focused. She completed her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Biology, and is now pursuing a Master's in Business Administration with an emphasis in Healthcare Administration. Her long-term dream is to make healthcare more accessible, particularly for individuals navigating some of the most challenging times in their lives.
Balancing all of that — athletics, academics, travel, and personal life — is no small task. A typical day during the fall season starts with morning classes, followed by lunch, recovery treatment, practice, weight lifting, and more treatment before winding down with dinner, homework, and time with teammates or her husband.
"It's busy, but so worth it," she said.
With one final season still ahead of her, Gardner isn't finished. She's got more goals to score, more games to win, and one more chance to lead SUU back to the postseason. But no matter what happens next, her legacy is secure — a legend, a record-setter, and a Thunderbird through and through.
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