Wayne@afclightning.org
404-771-6484

Gardner first joined AFC Lightning in 1991, and as Club President oversaw its transition to a professionally-staffed organization that has attained national recognition.

Gardner coached the '86 White (girls) and assisted with the '77 Gold (boys), '78 Gold (boys), '81 White (girls), '84 White (girls), '87 White (girls), '88 Elite (boys), and the boys academy.  Gardner currently assists with the '95 Elite and the '94 Elite on the girls side.

Gardner administered the Georgia Boys Olympic Development Program for 11 years, where he initiated a more competitive program, involving ODP team play at national and international venues including Europe, Central America and the Caribbean.  Gardner also served with Region III ODP, participating in numerous inter-regional events, and competitions at various venues in the U.S. and in Europe.

Gardner also serves as Head Coach of the Lady Jags at Spalding High School in Griffin.  He has served in that role since the school opened in 2001.  The Lady Jags have advanced to the AAA State Playoffs in all but their inaugural season, reaching the semifinals on several occasions and the finals in 2008.

Gardner and his wife Cathy live in Griffin, where he is a member of the University of Georgia faculty.  Both of their children, Greg and Mary, are former Lightning players and currently live in Washington, DC.