Watson Adds Macey Gardner to Razorback Volleyball Staff

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas volleyball team will have a new face on its staff this season, with the addition of Arizona State stand-out, Macey Gardner. Head coach Jason Watson announced the Gardner’s addition to his team on Monday.

Gardner joins the Razorback staff after serving as an assistant coach at her alma mater, Arizona State, for the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Gardner returned to Arizona State after serving one season as an assistant coach under Shane Pinder at Liberty University.

“Our team and those that support our program will come to learn what I already have experienced.  We are deeply fortunate to have someone with such great character and abilities such as Macey’s, join our program.  She has lived the life of a student-athlete.  Her mindfulness and dedication to team, helped her ASU teams play at a tremendous level.  She brings those same traits to her coaching career.”

Gardner finished her career at Arizona State in 2015 as the Sun Devils’ all-time leader in career kills with 1,882, a total which ranks 13th all-time in Pac-12 history. She was a three-time Pac-12 All-Conference selection, becoming just the second Arizona State volleyball player to do so. A 2014 AVCA All-America third team selection, Gardner totaled 594 kills as a junior. Gardner holds Arizona State’s freshman season record with 577 kills in 2012, when she led the Pac-12 in kills. She also spent two seasons on the Sun Devils’ sand volleyball team.

During her time at Arizona State, Gardner received international playing experience. She was selected to play on the Pac-12 volleyball All-Star team in China in 2013. Gardner also participated in winter training in 2013 with the USA National Team.

“It’s important to have a staff that compliments each other.  The addition of Macey only serves to strength the wonderful work that both Megan [Wargo-Kearney] and Whitney [Roth] do for our program and student-athletes.  I’m excited for this time of the year and looking forward to our continued push to make improvements this Spring Semester.”

Gardner has coached volleyball on the club level, coaching 15’s and 16’s. She led Club One for four seasons, while spending one season with Club Red. Additionally, Gardner coached the Club One 18’s for one season of sand volleyball.

Gardner first entered the coaching ranks at the club level, serving as an assistant coach for Club One Volleyball from 2012-15. During her tenure at Liberty, Gardner worked extensively with the team’s outside attackers, blocking and serve receive passing.

A valley native who prepped at Gilbert High School in Gilbert, Arizona, Gardner graduated from Arizona State in December of 2015, earning a bachelor’s degree in business communication.

Gardner and the rest of the Razorback staff look ahead to some spring training, including spring matches in April against Missouri Southern (April 17), Missouri State (April 24) and KSU/UMKC in a team tournament (April 6).

For all Razorback volleyball news and information, go to ArkansasRazorbacks.com and follow the Hogs on Twitter at @RazorbackVB, on Facebook at Razorback Softball and on Instagram at @RazorbackVB. Fans can also follow head coach Jason Watson on twitter at @ArkansasVB.