Jessica Cardwell became the fifth coach in NCU women's soccer history before the start of the 2015 season and led the program for four years.
In just her second season Coach Cardwell elevated the program to never before seen heights as they qualified for the Cascade Collegiate Conference post season for the first time and tied the single-season record for victories.
Cardwell came to NCU with an impressive resume as a player and coach, highlighted by a six-year run as the head girls varsity coach at her alma mater, Thurston High School which is considered to be one of the most successful runs of any program in Oregon prep history.
During her tenure, the Colts won five league championships along with a 2012 Oregon 6A State Championship and No. 11 national ranking. She earned three Midwestern League Coach of the Year honors and in 2012 was Special District #1 Coach of the Year. She also earned OSAA 6A Coach of the Year honors that season and was the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year.
Coach Cardwell aspired to build more than a successful soccer team, investing her time to creating young women with strong academics, character, and work ethic. During five of her seasons at Thurston her teams were awarded Academic All-State honors, making the Top-Ten list all five years. Toward the end of her career, 90% of her seniors were committing to play at top colleges and universities including all but one graduating senior in 2013.
Cardwell resigned from Thurston following the 2013 season to pursue a volunteer opportunity with Forward Edge International, serving as a team facilitator with a program in Managua, Nicaragua called Villa Esperanza, working to rescue children from human trafficking. She also helped found Fall Creek Academy in 2011 and continues to teach third grade for the charter school, now called Mountain View Academy.
After graduating from Thurston, Cardwell went on to a successful playing career at George Fox University. The goalkeeper earned All-Northwest League honors during all four years including First-Team honors as a senior. She was a 16-time NWC Player of the Week and earned All-Academic Team honors for all four seasons. Cardwell remains the Bruins career leader for shutouts (18) and owns the single-season record for save percentage.
Cardwell graduated from George Fox in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.
