Rebekah Gardner Bio
Rebekah Gardner, born on July 9, 1990, is an American professional basketball player for the New York Liberty of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). She played college basketball at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). During her time at UCLA, Gardner was primarily a role player for the Bruins, but as a senior, she emerged as a key contributor, leading the team in scoring and rebounding averages. Following her college career, she played professionally overseas before successfully entering the WNBA, where she has become a pivotal player for her teams.
Early Life and Background
Rebekah Gardner was born in Palm Springs, California. She attended Ayala High School in Chino Hills, California, where she began to develop her skills in basketball. Gardner’s early exposure to the sport came through her high school team, where she showcased her potential as a player. After high school, she continued her basketball journey at UCLA, where she played from 2008 to 2012. Her time at UCLA was marked by significant growth, particularly during her senior year, when she became a standout player for the Bruins.
Path to Basketball
Gardner’s early basketball career included a mix of bench roles and starting positions at UCLA. In her freshman season, she scored a career-high 13 points against the University of Southern California. As a sophomore, she made seven starts and increased her scoring average, culminating in a career-high of 19 points against Washington State University. By her senior year, Gardner had established herself as a key player, starting all 30 games and averaging 15.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. This performance earned her a spot on the All-Pac-12 Team, marking a significant achievement in her college career.
Rebekah Gardner Career
Early Career (2012–2016)
After going undrafted in the 2012 WNBA Draft, Gardner began her professional career overseas. She played for Osmaniye in Turkey during the 2016-2017 season, gaining valuable experience in international competition. This period helped her refine her skills and prepare for a potential return to the WNBA.
Breakthrough (2022–Present)
Gardner’s breakthrough came when she signed a training camp contract with the Chicago Sky in February 2022. Despite being undrafted, she made the team’s roster and played a crucial role in their success during the season, contributing to the Sky’s impressive record. Her performance earned her a spot on the WNBA All-Rookie Team in 2022, a significant recognition for her efforts on the court. In March 2024, Gardner was traded to the New York Liberty, further solidifying her position in the league.
Notable Works and Milestones
Rebekah Gardner’s signature work includes her standout performance during her senior year at UCLA, where she led the team in scoring and rebounding. Her transition to the WNBA has been marked by her selection to the WNBA All-Rookie Team in 2022, highlighting her impact in the league.
Rebekah Gardner Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Rebekah Gardner has received several nominations, including her recognition as a member of the WNBA All-Rookie Team in 2022.
Rebekah Gardner Awards Won
Gardner has achieved notable awards during her basketball career, including being named to the Pac-12 Second Team in 2012 and the WNBA All-Rookie Team in 2022.
| Award | Wins | Year |
|---|---|---|
| WNBA All-Rookie Team | 1 | 2022 |
| Pac-12 Second Team | 1 | 2012 |
Rebekah Gardner Family
Information about Rebekah Gardner’s family is limited. She is known to be cousins with former NFL player Toussaint Tyler, indicating a connection to a family with athletic talent.
Personal Life
Details about Rebekah Gardner’s personal life are not widely publicized. She has maintained a focus on her basketball career, and there is no available information regarding her marital status or children.
