Back in the Fight: Tanner Babischkin’s Return to the Pitch
For as long as Sláinte Athletic has existed, Tanner Babischkin has been at the heart of it. From helping land the club’s first sponsor to serving as interim coach during pivotal stretches, he’s done nearly everything—except play.
Until now.
Spring 2025 marks Tanner’s long-awaited return to the pitch after more than a year recovering from a shoulder injury that required surgery. For him, it’s not just about logging minutes. It’s about finally being able to contribute in the way he’s always wanted.
“Managing from the sidelines and behind the scenes, I could only do so much,” Tanner says. “I’m excited to get back to balling with my brothers on the pitch.”
The injury came early in the 2024 BCRP spring season. With the ball at his feet, a defender yanked Tanner’s arm backward, dislocating his shoulder. He popped it back in and played through the pain in a handful of matches—but each time he stepped onto the field, the shoulder came out again.
It became clear: surgery was the only way forward.
“The shoulder pain wasn’t as bad as the thought of being out for half a year,” he recalls. “But I didn’t let it discourage me. Coaching helped me cope. I could still lead.”
And lead he did—steering the team through the Fall 2024 MSSL season and the Morton Cup, helping nurture a culture that has only grown stronger in his absence.
“I’ve been here since the beginning. From when AJ and I secured our first sponsor, to our last match where 19 guys fed NPC 8 goals with class. I’ve seen our worst days and our best. And we’ve come back stronger every time.”
That vantage point only made his belief in the squad stronger.
“Our chemistry is what impresses me most. Everyone’s playing out of their minds right now, and even if we’re missing guys, we adapt. Twelve goals in our first two league games says everything—it’s a train that’s not stopping.”
Many of Sláinte’s current players have known Tanner since childhood. That shared history shows up in both their connection and their banter.
“There isn’t a single guy on this squad who doesn’t get along. Yeah, Logan bullies AJ every now and then, but that’s just because we all go way back,” he laughs. “We know each other’s tendencies. Like, we’d rather play Iddriss the long ball than Logan.”
The group’s closeness extends off the field, too—where Thursday night beers at Das have become tradition.
With his shoulder finally healed, Tanner’s ready to rejoin the action. But his expectations for himself haven’t changed.
“I want to bring intensity. I want to get back to being one of the key pieces of this squad. The locker room chat didn’t stop while I was injured, but now I’m back to back it up on the field.”
To any player facing a similar long-term injury?
“Suck it up, recover, and get back to the office.”
Sláinte came painfully close to promotion last fall. This time, Tanner wants to help push the team over the line—not just for himself, but for the squad that held it together while he recovered.
“Promotion to D1 is the main target. We worked so hard last year, and coming up short was devastating. Finishing first this time would mean the world to me and the boys. Off the field, we just got our third sponsor. People see the culture we’re building. It’s real.”
Rapid Fire with Tanner Babischkin
Most memorable coaching moment?
“One of our MSSL games against Ittihad last season. It was wild—high-scoring, end to end. We scored last-minute to win. Whole team was fired up.”
Most intense player on matchday?
“Three-way tie: Danny, AJ, and Drew. Danny’s all business, AJ gets aggressive, and Drew just gets angry.”
Favorite soccer memory growing up with a teammate?
“Gavin was ridiculous. At kickoff in one of our Eastfield Arsenal games, he dribbled through everyone and scored like it was nothing. Now he’s on crutches—someone had to nerf him.”
If you could steal one skill from a teammate?
“Francio’s 6’4” frame and BP’s aura on the ball.”
One word to describe Sláinte Athletic?
Powerhouse.
Tanner Babischkin’s return is more than a comeback story—it’s a reminder of what Sláinte Athletic is built on: loyalty, resilience, and the relentless drive to push forward, together.