Gonzaga guard Teryn Gardner excited to return home

Star player discusses coming back to Spokane for final college season

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Gonzaga women's basketball standout Teryn Gardner is looking forward to her final season with the Bulldogs, as she will be returning to her hometown of Spokane, Washington. Gardner, a senior guard, has been a key contributor for Gonzaga over the past three years and is expected to take on an even bigger leadership role in 2025-26 after the departure of star forward Yvonne Ejim.

Why it matters

Gonzaga's women's basketball program has seen tremendous success in recent years, making the NCAA Tournament in 8 of the last 10 seasons. Gardner's homecoming will be a feel-good story for the Spokane community, which has closely followed the Bulldogs' rise to prominence in the West Coast Conference.

The details

After starring at Gonzaga Prep in high school, Gardner chose to stay home and play for the Bulldogs. She has averaged double-digit scoring in each of her first three seasons, emerging as one of the top two-way players in the conference. With Ejim gone, Gardner will be counted on to carry an even heavier offensive load while also anchoring the team's perimeter defense.

  • Teryn Gardner will be a senior for the Gonzaga women's basketball team in the 2025-26 season.

The players

Teryn Gardner

A senior guard for the Gonzaga Bulldogs women's basketball team, Gardner is a Spokane native who has been a key contributor for the program over the past three seasons.

Yvonne Ejim

The star forward for Gonzaga is departing the program after a standout career, leaving Gardner as the new leader of the team.

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What they’re saying

“I'm so excited to play my final season in front of my hometown fans. Gonzaga has been my dream school since I was a kid, and I can't wait to leave it all on the floor one last time.”

— Teryn Gardner (Gonzaga Athletics)

What’s next

Gardner and the Bulldogs will open the 2025-26 season in November, with high expectations to contend for another West Coast Conference title and NCAA Tournament berth.

The takeaway

Teryn Gardner's homecoming to Spokane for her senior season at Gonzaga represents an inspiring story of a local star returning to lead her hometown program to continued success.