Jason Cairns was an exceptional soccer player at Trenton State College and The College of New Jersey. A great goal-scorer and play maker, Cairns was a three-time All-American and was tabbed the Division III National Player of the Year in 1997. He helped lead TCNJ to its first and only national title in 1996.
He made himself a force to be reckoned with in the attacking third as he tallied 11 goals in his first year in the program, setting the record for goals scored as a freshman.
A three-sport athlete from Point Pleasant Beach High School, Cairns made an impact at then-TSC in is rookie season. He earned a starting role as a freshman, tallying 11 goals and 11 assists to lead the NJAC with 33 points. The Lions won the conference championship that season and Cairns earned All-NJAC and NSCAA All-Region Firs Team honors.
In 1995, Cairns entered the season known as the “sophomore scoring sensation”. He once again led the team with 33 total points on the season, this time setting the school’s single-season assist record with 13, tying the program record for career assists with 24 in just two seasons. Cairns was tabbed the 1995 NJAC Player of the Year, while earning NSCAA-Umbro All American and Mid-Atlantic Regional All-American First Team recognition.
As a junior, Cairns was named captain as the team embarked on a historic journey through the NCAA tournament. In the 1996 semi-final match, he converted the final penalty kick to send TCNJ on to the finals. The Lions battled through four overtime periods to ultimately defeat Kenyon College 2-1 to claim the national title. Despite missing four games due to injury, Cairns netted 31 points during the season, culminating with All-American, All-Region, and All-NJAC First Team honors. Following the season, Cairns was one of three Division III players to be invited down to Bradenton, Florida to participate in the Adidas Summer League.
Cairns capped off his tremendous career by being named Division III Player of the Year. Cairns once again scored a goal in the semi-finals to send the team to its second straight national title game, where the Lions finished runner up. During his senior campaign, Cairns broke his own single-season record for assists with 15.
In addition to earning national honors, Cairns was selected as the TCNJ Male Student-Athlete of the Year.
During his four years at TCNJ, the Lions boasted a 68-17-4 record. Cairns owns the TCNJ program record with 134 total career points and assists record with 48. He also ranks fifth in all-time goals with 48
Cairns currently resides in Seattle, WA and is the Director of Food and Beverage at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel.
“Jason's commitment, perseverance and hard work pushed him to the pinnacle of college soccer in Division III both individually and collectively during his time here at TSC/TCNJ. He was a true warrior who you would want to play with, and not against. His aptitude, athleticism and ability for the game was of the highest level. “ – George Nazario
