University of Vermont Athletic Hall of Fame
Valerie J. Gardner 1974 - Basketball, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Softball, Track and Field
Regarded as one of UVM's all-time top female athletes, Valerie Gardner, a 1989 Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, competed in five sports at the varsity level, lettering in four.
Val was perhaps best remembered for her excellence on the basketball court even though she could only play one full season. Only a freshman, she led the Catamount women to an undefeated regular season (1970-71) and an appearance in the AIAW Regional Tournament. At the tournament, UVM shocked Massachusetts, the No. 1 seed, and lost to the eventual champion, Queens College (in double overtime), a team that went on to finish third at the nationals. Val averaged 19 points a game in the tournament. Elected captain as only a sophomore, she played until an injury cut short her basketball career. However, for the next three seasons she coached the UVM "B" team.
Val also starred in softball as a pitcher for former coach Sally Guerette and was the team's top home run threat. In addition to basketball and softball, Val lettered in field hockey and lacrosse as a goalie for both teams.
Somehow she also found the time to toss the shot put for the track team in 1974 and was an outstanding student with a dual major in physical education and math! In the spring of her senior year, she received the Outstanding Physical Education Award and earned Dean's List honors throughout her four years.
She continued her athletic endeavors, coaching three sports (field hockey, basketball and track and field) at Champlain Valley Union High School, where she served as the principal. Twice she was named her league's coach of the Year in basketball. Her track and field team won the state title in 1975. Val also served CVU as its athletic director from 1979-83. In 1984, she was presented the Robert Pierce Memorial Award given by the Northern Vermont Athletic Directors Association to an individual "who best personifies through professional activities with the youth of Vermont, the high deals of character, dedication, determination, devotion and sportsmanship."
In 1988, Val also received the Award for Outstanding Achievement from the Physical Education Department at UVM. This award in "in recognition of outstanding leadership and professional contributions for a minimum of ten years in the field of physical education, athletics, recreation or any environment in which the medium of physical activity enhances life." She has been a member of UVM's Athletic Council, the Athletic Hall of Fame Administrative Committee and the Catamount Club Board of Directors.
