Timea Gardiner has rapidly emerged as a prominent figure in women’s college basketball, showcasing exceptional talent and versatility on the court. Standing at 6-foot-3, she plays the forward position and has made significant contributions to her teams, first with the Oregon State Beavers and currently with the UCLA Bruins.
Early Life and High School Career
Born on October 22, 2003, in Brighton, England, Gardiner’s basketball journey began in Ogden, Utah, where she was raised. She attended Fremont High School in Plain City, Utah, and quickly distinguished herself as a standout player. Her high school career was decorated with numerous accolades, including being named a McDonald’s All-American and a Jordan Brand Classic All-American. In 2022, she earned a spot on the Naismith All-America Second Team, having previously received honorable mentions in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Additionally, she was a Naismith Player of the Year Semi-Finalist. Gardiner was a three-time All-Utah First Team selection, a two-time All-Region MVP, and was named to the Utah All-Tournament Team twice.
Recruitment and Commitment to Oregon State
As a five-star recruit and the number six player in the 2022 class, according to ESPN, Gardiner was highly sought after by top college programs. She committed to Oregon State, choosing the Beavers over offers from Stanford and UCLA. This commitment marked a significant milestone for Oregon State, as Gardiner became the highest-ranked recruit to ever sign with the program.
College Career at Oregon State
Gardiner’s freshman year (2022-2023) at Oregon State was met with unforeseen challenges. Prior to the season, a scooter accident led to a medical examination that revealed blood clots in her lungs, sidelining her for the first half of the season. Upon her return, she played in 15 games, starting two, and averaged 8.7 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. Her performance earned her Pac-12 All-Freshman Honorable Mention honors.
In her sophomore season (2023-2024), Gardiner’s impact on the court became more pronounced. She appeared in all 35 games, making nine starts, and averaged 11.6 points and seven rebounds per game. Notably, she led the Pac-12 Conference with 10.2 points per game off the bench prior to the postseason, earning her the title of Pac-12 Sixth Player of the Year. Her contributions were pivotal in Oregon State’s journey to the Elite Eight in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
Transfer to UCLA
Following her successful sophomore campaign, Gardiner decided to transfer to UCLA for the 2024-2025 season. This move reunited her with former teammates Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, and Londynn Jones, with whom she had won a gold medal at the U16 Americas Women’s Championship in 2019 representing USA Basketball. UCLA’s head coach, Cori Close, expressed enthusiasm about Gardiner joining the Bruins, highlighting her versatility, elite shooting, and high basketball IQ.
International Experience
Gardiner’s talents have also been showcased on the international stage. In 2019, she represented the United States at the FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship in Chile, where she averaged seven points and 6.5 rebounds per game, contributing to the team’s gold medal victory.
Personal Life and Interests
Beyond basketball, Gardiner is pursuing a degree in Architectural Engineering, reflecting her passion for academics. She is an advocate for gender and racial equality in sports and has a diverse range of interests, including reading, playing video games, drawing, and exploring fashion. Her favorite food is sushi.
Gardiner holds dual citizenship in the United Kingdom and the United States. Her father, Andy Gardiner, a native of England, played basketball for Hawaii Pacific and professionally in England and Belgium. Her mother, Cory, played volleyball for Hawaii Pacific.
Looking Ahead
As of February 2025, Gardiner continues to make significant contributions to the UCLA Bruins. Her journey from a high school standout in Utah to a key player in collegiate basketball underscores her dedication, resilience, and passion for the game. With her multifaceted skills and unwavering commitment, Gardiner is poised to leave a lasting impact on women’s basketball.
