Susie Gardner Returns to Gainesville as Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach

The Florida Gators women’s basketball team has made a significant addition to their coaching staff with the return of Susie Gardner as an assistant coach. Gardner, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Gators from 2007-10, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team.

Gardner returns to Gainesville after a 14-year stint at Mercer University.

Gardner’s coaching resume is impressive, with over 30 years of experience in the game. She has coached at several institutions, including San Diego State University, Austin Peay State University, and the University of Arkansas. During her time at Austin Peay, Gardner led the Lady Govs to three consecutive Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Championships and was named the OVC “Coach of the Year” in 2003.

Gardner’s experience in the SEC is also noteworthy, having coached at the University of Arkansas from 2003-2007. During her time with the Razorbacks, Gardner led the team to their best start in school history, going 15-1 in 2007, and earning a top 20 ranking.

“We are thrilled to welcome Susie Gardner back to Gainesville! Susie has made a great impact on the game of basketball. She is a well-respected leader, tremendous teacher, and person of great character.” - Head Coach Kelly Rae Finley

Gardner’s return to Gainesville is a significant boost to the Gators’ coaching staff, and her experience and knowledge will undoubtedly benefit the team.

Gardner’s coaching career spans over three decades.

Gardner’s most recent stint was at Mercer University, where she spent 14 years as the head women’s basketball coach. During her time at Mercer, Gardner led the Bears to seven postseason tournaments, including three NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournaments, two WNIT appearances, and two WBIT appearances. In the 2017-2018 season, Gardner led the Bears to a historic season, going undefeated in regular season play and winning the Southern Conference regular season and tournament titles.

Gardner’s return to Gainesville is a homecoming of sorts, and her experience and knowledge will undoubtedly benefit the Gators. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Gardner’s addition to the coaching staff is a significant boost.

Gardner led the Bears to a historic season in 2017-2018.

The Gators are poised to make a strong run in the upcoming season, and with Gardner’s addition to the coaching staff, the team is well-equipped to make a deep postseason run.

The Gators are ready to take on the upcoming season with Gardner on board.