Gardner was hired by Mountain Brook High School in the fall of 2017.  She received her undergraduate degree in English from Samford University and is currently working on an graduate degree in administration at the University of Alabama.  Gardner has been part of the volleyball coaching staff in various capacities since 2017 serving as both the freshman and junior varsity head coach prior to her last years a varsity assistant.

Gardner starred at Charlotte Country Day School in Charlotte, N.C., before earning a volleyball scholarship to Samford. She played as a defensive specialist/libero for the Bulldogs from 2013-2017 and served as team captain her junior and senior seasons. During her collegiate career, Samford won two Southern Conference championships and made two NCAA Tournament appearances.