Rebekah Gardner is back on the court, and it’s a big moment for her and the New York Liberty. After a challenging 14-month recovery from an Achilles injury, Gardner has joined her teammates for training camp, feeling relieved and excited to return to the game she loves.
At 34 years old, Gardner has fought hard for her spot in the WNBA. She finally made it to the league in 2022 with the Chicago Sky after a decade of determination. Last season, she had a promising start but suffered a foot injury that cut her season short. To make matters worse, she tore her Achilles tendon while playing overseas, which delayed her comeback.
The Liberty recognized Gardner’s potential and traded for her rights even though she couldn’t play last season. Now, with her training camp deal, she’s ready to contribute. Coach Sandy Brondello is eager to see what Gardner can bring to the team, especially after losing Kayla Thornton to the expansion draft. Brondello believes Gardner can be a significant spark off the bench and appreciates her versatility.
Gardner is still working on her conditioning but is making good progress. She’s already fitting in well with her teammates and is expected to play in shorter bursts at the start of the season as she builds her stamina back up. Brondello has noted that Gardner has the ability to blend into the team seamlessly, whether she’s with the starters or coming off the bench.
As the Liberty look to defend their championship title, Gardner’s return could be a crucial factor in their success this season. Fans and teammates alike are excited to see how she will impact the game as she resumes her career.