RAYMOND – Mississippi native Robert Gardner has accepted the Hinds Community College head men's soccer coach position for the upcoming 2022 season.
 
He is replacing Doug Williams, who retired as head men's soccer coach in December after 21 years.
 
Prior to Hinds, Gardner served as the assistant women's soccer coach and recruiting coordinator at Jacksonville State University (Alabama) for three seasons.
 
"I'm incredibly honored and humbled to be chosen as the one to lead the Hinds men's soccer program into its next chapter," Gardner said. "My family and I are grateful to be joining the Hinds family and look forward to many years of success."
 
Gardner brings 19 years of coaching experience to the Eagles soccer program. During those 19 years, he spent four seasons at Jackson Academy, where he coached the men and women's teams for his high school alma mater. Gardner led the women's program to three consecutive Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Division I state titles from 2016 to 2018 and led the men's team to two appearances in the state championship game in 2017 and 2018.
 
He also gained coaching experience at the high school level after serving as an assistant coach at Center Hill High School (Olive Branch) and the varsity boys and girls soccer coach at Starkville Academy. As a varsity coach, Gardner amassed a 121-56-7 record.
 
Gardner's professional resumé also includes time as the Starkville Soccer Association Technical Director from 2010-2012 and coaching stints with Mississippi Brilla FC and Mississippi Blues SC from 2014-2018.
 
"We are excited to have Robert coming as our new men's soccer coach," said Athletic Director Nathan Werremeyer. "Robert is experienced in recruiting in the metro area and has excellent ties to four-year programs and coaches that will help our student-athletes get to the next level. Robert is taking over an already solid program, and I'm confident he'll help take it to the next level."
 
Gardner holds three certifications from the United States Soccer Federation and United Soccer Coaches, all earned from 2007-2018.
 
During his playing days at Jackson Academy, Gardner helped lead the Raiders to three Mississippi Final Four appearances in 2001, 2002 and 2003. After his 2003 season, Gardner was named First Team All-State and participated in the Mississippi High School All-Star Game where he won most valuable player.
 
Gardner understands the challenge of taking over a successful program, and he is eager to get started.
 
"I know taking over for Doug Williams will not be easy but I see his many years of success and I desire the same platform he was able to lay before me (high achieving success on-field as well as high character on and away from the field). I look forward to getting started in the next weeks and working alongside Assistant Coach Chris Rash to see Hinds men's soccer be a continued success."
 
Gardner is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a bachelor of science in 2008 and a master of science in 2013. Gardner and his wife Kayla have two children, Louie and Jude.
 
His full list of coaching certifications include:

• National D- License (2007)
• National Diploma (2009)
• Advanced National Diploma (2010)
• Premier Diploma (2011)
• National Youth License (2011)
• National C License (2018)