Rebekah Gardner Biography: New York Liberty Guard/Forward, WNBA All-Rookie & UCLA Star

Rebekah Gardner is an American professional basketball player who currently plays guard and forward for the New York Liberty in the WNBA. Known for her defensive intensity, scoring, and versatility, Gardner has established herself as a valuable contributor with a strong college and international pedigree.

Rebekah-Gardner
Rebekah-Gardner

Early Life and Background

  • Full Name: Rebekah Jasmine Gardner

  • Date of Birth: July 9, 1990

  • Hometown: Palm Springs/Upland, California

  • Height: 6’1″ (1.85 m)

  • Weight: 130–135 lbs (59–61 kg)

  • Position: Guard/Forward

  • High School: Ayala High School, Chino Hills, California

    • 2007 CIF Southern Section Champion (Division IIA)

    • 2008 CIF Southern Section Runner-up

    • CIF Division IIA co-Player of the Year (2007)

    • Three-time Area MVP (Inland Valley Daily Bulletin)

    • EA Sports second-team All-America

    • Four-time All-CIF and All-Sierra League selection

    • Broke school scoring record

    • Team captain

College Career: UCLA (2008–2012)

  • Four-year standout for the UCLA Bruins

  • Career Stats:

    • 1,101 points, 8.6 points per game

    • 3.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.3 steals per game

    • Senior year: 15.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.0 steals per game

    • All-Pac-12 Team (2011–12)

    • Pac-10 All-Academic Honorable Mention

  • Notable Moments:

    • Career-high 19 points, 5 steals vs. Washington State

    • Career-high 8 rebounds at Oregon

    • Career-high 4 blocks vs. Texas Tech

Professional Career

  • WNBA Draft: Undrafted (2012)

  • Teams:

    • Chicago Sky (2022–2023)

    • New York Liberty (2024–present)

  • WNBA Stats:

    • 2022 (Chicago Sky):

      • 35 games, 2 starts

      • 8.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.4 steals per game

      • 54.2% field goal shooting

      • Named to WNBA All-Rookie Team

      • Career-high 18 points, 10 rebounds (double-double)

    • 2023 (Chicago Sky):

      • Played 3 games before injury

      • 7.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.0 steals per game

    • Career (through 2023):

      • 38 games, 8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.4 steals per game

  • International/Overseas:

    • Played in Turkey, Israel, Romania, and Spain

    • Notable teams: Uni Girona (Spain), ACS Sepsi SIC (Romania), Bnot Herzliya (Israel), OGM Ormanspor (Turkey), Istanbul Universitesi (Turkey), Maccabi Ramat Hen (Israel), Elitzur Holon (Israel), Hapoel Petah Tikva (Israel)

  • Other Notes:

    • Cousin of former NFL player Toussaint Tyler

Achievements & Honors

  • WNBA All-Rookie Team (2022)

  • AP All-WNBA Rookie Team (2022)

  • All-Pac-12 Team (2011–12)

  • Pac-10 All-Academic Honorable Mention

  • CIF Division IIA co-Player of the Year (2007)

  • Three-time Area MVP (high school)

  • EA Sports second-team All-America (high school)

  • Four-time All-CIF and All-Sierra League selection (high school)

  • Broke school scoring record (high school)

  • Team captain (high school)

  • CIF Southern Section Champion (2007) and Runner-up (2008) (high school)

Playing Profile

  • Strengths:

    • Elite defensive presence and versatility

    • Reliable scorer and rebounder

    • High basketball IQ and leadership

    • Clutch performer in big games

  • Style:

    • Aggressive, athletic guard/forward who excels in transition and half-court offense

    • Brings toughness, championship experience, and a team-first mentality

FAQs About Rebekah Gardner

What position does Rebekah Gardner play?
Guard/Forward

Which team does she play for?
New York Liberty (WNBA)

How old is Rebekah Gardner?
34 (born July 9, 1990)

What are her main achievements?
WNBA All-Rookie Team, AP All-WNBA Rookie Team, All-Pac-12 Team, CIF Division IIA co-Player of the Year, three-time Area MVP, EA Sports second-team All-America, CIF Southern Section Champion

What is her playing style?
Versatile, defensive-minded guard/forward with strong scoring and leadership

Conclusion

Rebekah Gardner is a dynamic and accomplished guard/forward whose defensive intensity, scoring, and leadership have made her a valuable asset for the New York Liberty and a respected figure in women’s basketball.
(Age, statistics, and honors are as of June 2025.)