Andrea Gardner, a 2002 Howard graduate, is back in her hometown, playing for the Washington Mystics. Gardner made her entrance into the WNBA upon graduating and was drafted to the Utah Starzz as the 27th pick. During the 2000-2001 season, Gardner led the nation in rebounding. She ranks third on Howard's all-time rebounding list and sixth in scoring. She is only the third person in Howard's history to record 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. Gardner was also the MEAC player of the year during two consecutive seasons in 2001 and 2002. Gardner has also spent time playing in Cyprus, playing for KV Imperial and in Turkey, playing for Fenerbahce Istanbul. Recently, the Mystics forward sat down to talk with The Hilltop.
The Hilltop: How does it feel to be back home?
Gardner: I am ecstatic to be back home! I was raised in South East. One of things that I want to do most is give back to the community. I want people to see me and know that if I can make it, so can they.
The Hilltop: What was your experience like while you were overseas playing in Turkey and Cyprus?
Gardner: At first it was devastating because I'm so close to my family. But after awhile, I adjusted. I got to learn a lot about myself.
The Hilltop: What do you miss most about playing for the Bison?
Gardner: My teammates. We were like sisters - no matter what, we were always there for each other.
The Hilltop: What was it like being MEAC player of the year two years in a row?
Gardner: I had no idea they were considering me. I was just so happy, everybody sees me as this person who works hard and I just see myself as Dre.
The Hilltop: How did Howard help you become the person that you are?
Gardner: When I came to Howard, I had to red-shirt my first year. Once basketball was taken away from me, I realized how much I loved it and how important it was to my life. It made me work harder.
The Hilltop: Do you feel that players in the MEAC conference are overlooked by professional leagues?
Gardner: I do think players in the MEAC get overlooked. But if you're true to yourself and you work really hard, they have no choice but to look.
The Hilltop: What advice would you give to your fellow Bison who have hopes of playing professionally?
Work hard and never give up. Right after I got back from overseas, I started working out everyday. I knew that if I wanted to make it, I had to work hard.
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