EAST BOSTON – Christian Gardner, a sophomore on Suffolk men's soccer squad, was selected as the recipient of the Conference of New England (CNE) Elite 21 award for the 2025 CNE Men's Soccer Tournament.

 

Gardner, who is pursuing a bachelor's degree in finance, carries a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade point average. The Miami, Florida native was presented the award in front of Ram Nation prior to the CNE Semifinal match against Endicott last night. The Rams went on to capture that contest, 2-1, to punch their ticket to the conference championship for the second straight season and third time in four years. a contest in which the Rams earned a 2-1 victory to advance to the conference final.

 

The CNE Elite 21 award, in its second year, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete, honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the conference level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standing among their peers. The CNE Elite 21 award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA participating in the CNE Tournament in each of the league's 21 championships.

 

Eligible student-athletes are sophomore or above, who have participated in their sport for two years with their current institution, and are an active member on their team's roster.

 

Gardner is the second-ever recipient across the league for men's soccer, the first Suffolk men's soccer student-athlete to take home the distinction, and the second Ram to earn the feat this year after Michael Gallagher collected the honor for Suffolk men's golf. 

 

Along with his academic excellence, Gardner was a key contributor for the Rams on the pitch this season. He registered three goals and three assists operating from the wing, helping fuel Suffolk's run to the CNE Championship match.

 

Gardner and the Rams will now travel to Bristol, Rhode Island this Saturday, Nov. 8 to face Roger Williams in the league's title tilt. Game time is still to be determined as Suffolk sets its sights on defending its conference crown from a season ago.