Athlete of the Week: Kierstynn Garner

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Kierstynn Garner is a senior, and she’s climbing up the record books at Concordia Soccer.

Saturday night, she scored her 51st career goal. It was part of a 3-1 victory over No.4 Columbia College.

Through two matches in her senior season, Garner has scored both times. She’s been at Concordia all four years. As she embarks on her final journey, she has high aspirations for herself, and the team.

“To win GPAC this year is definitely a team goal. Last year and the year before we’ve gotten to that point and ended in second,” Garner said.

“That’s something we really want to capitalize on this year. A personal goal I have is to be player of the year.”

In her junior year, she tallied 22 goals, along with 57 points, both ranking 2nd in the GPAC. She credits her coach, and her teammates for instilling their belief, and trust in her.

“A lot of it comes from my teammates. If I didn’t get the balls, If I didn’t get the passes.”

When she first picked up a soccer ball at three years old, she say’s she didn’t fall in love with the sport right away. In fact, it was due to the competitiveness that runs in her family.

“It’s kind of a funny story. I didn’t really like soccer when I was young. I was scared, I had to hold the coaches hand,” Garner said.

“My dad started coaching me, and my family is really competitive. I just started to grow into it.”

With one last ride, Garner is ready for the challenge. “Knowing this is my last season, it just kind of comes naturally. I have to leave everything out on the field every single game.”

Garner ranks 4th all time in goals scored in Concordia’s program. She’s on pace to climb up to No. 2 by the end of the season.

The Bulldogs will head to Madison, South Dakota Thursday night for their next match vs. Dakota State University.