University of San Francisco Athletics

Aram Kardzair is one of the top goalkeepers in USF history. He made seven starts as a freshman in 1979 and allowed just two goals and recorded four shutouts. As a sophomore, he recorded five shutouts and 0.85 goals against average in his 13 starts. He posted 0.78 goals against average as a junior, and was the winning goalkeeper in the 1980 NCAA Championship Match against Indiana, capping USF’s first undefeated season since 1966. As a senior, he earned Second-Team All-Pacific Soccer Conference Honors and was named the Dons’ most inspirational player. He finished his USF career with 55 games, 19 shutouts, and 210 saves. He earned the department’s Peter Peletta Award for unselfish and loyal service to the athletic programs.

Why Kardzair Chose USF: "When I was 15, I played in a preliminary match before a USF game in San Rafael. When the USF players came on to the pitch, I was mesmerized, these guys were rock stars to me. They strutted on to the pitch like nothing could stop them. From that moment on, it was all I ever dreamed about - to wear the Green and Gold of USF. It also happened that two very close family friends also played for USF -- Misak Pirinjian, who played on my dad's amateur team, and Jimmy Boyle, who played at Riordan High School before me. For me, USF provided the best in athletics and academics. Residing in her backyard was just icing on the cake for me."

Favorite USF Memories: "USF provided me with many amazing experiences. My soccer brothers remain as close now as we did during our playing careers at USF. While we don't see each other very often now, a text, phone call or email is all it takes to reunite us.”

The Student-Athlete Experience: "Being able to contribute to the long and storied history of one of the most prolific soccer universities in history, while learning valuable life lessons. What more could a kid from the Sunset District in San Francisco want or deserve."

Life After USF: Kardzair was selected by the Golden Bay Earthquakes in the NASAL Draft. He played for one the nation's best amateur men's teams -- The San Francisco Greek-Americans, and they won the U.S. Open Cup twice and various senior cups. Kardzair's semi-pro career included stints with the San Jose Earthquakes, the San Francisco Seals and the Sacramento Knights. Kardzair has a small accounting practice, and owns and lives at Keeper Vineyard in Healdsburg. Kardzair is a Board Member of the San Francisco Vikings Youth Soccer Club, the San Francisco Football League, and the Club Marin Soccer Club.