Rebekah Gardner watched the Liberty’s championship run from the sidelines final season as she rehabbed from an Achilles harm.
However after a “long and hard” 14-month restoration course of, Gardner felt a way of “relief” this week as she laced up her “Reverse Grinch” Kobe 6 sneakers to hitch her teammates at coaching camp.
“I put in a lot of work,” the 34-year-old Gardner stated Monday after apply. “When I tore my Achilles it was devastating.”
Gardner fought for her WNBA dream for greater than a decade earlier than incomes a spot with the Chicago Sky for the 2022 season at age 31.
After an All-Rookie season, the Sky re-signed Gardner.
However Gardner’s 2023 season was short-lived.
She suffered a season-ending foot harm within the third sport and wanted surgical procedure.
Her return to the WNBA court docket was delayed once more lower than a yr later, when she tore her proper Achilles tendon whereas enjoying abroad.
The Liberty traded for Gardner’s rights earlier than final season realizing that she wouldn’t be capable of contribute that yr.
However New York is about to see the return on that funding.
Gardner, whom the Liberty signed to a coaching camp deal earlier this yr, has the potential to fill the void left by Kayla Thornton’s departure within the enlargement draft and be the workforce’s go-to reserve.
“She’s going to be a real spark off the bench for us and it’s great to see her back on the court,” coach Sandy Brondello stated. “And imagine if we had her last year. She’s versatile.”
Gardner’s conditioning stays a piece in progress.
Brondello stated it’s potential she is going to play in shorter bursts early this season as she builds that again up.
General, although, Gardner is shifting aspect to aspect nicely and is getting the texture for her teammates.
Gardner has the instruments to be a key piece for the Liberty as they attempt to defend their title this season.
“She plugs in anywhere,” Brondello stated. “Today, I had her with some of the starters there and she just plugged in and finds a way. And it’s great to see players come back there to who they were, but continue to add to it. And I think we’re adding to her game, she’s going to add to our game so excited about that.”
