19-03-2025
From Dreams to Reality: Newark Valley's own Cha Gardner heads to NCAA Tournament
NEWARK VALLEY, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – One-time Section IV girls basketball star Cha Gardner is now preparing herself for the NCAA Tournament in just a few days.
The Newark Valley Cardinals alum has played significant time with the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks, having scored 20 points in a game, and has been pushing for this moment all season long. It was a dream of hers to play on this stage, and it shows that whatever you put your mind to is able to be achieved.
'It's honestly, like surreal. I've been thinking about this since I was really young, and I've been dreaming about getting to March Madness,' said Gardner. 'So, the fact that I'm actually going is really weird to process.'
Getting playing time as a freshman is not always a given, but she has scored 183 points this season, along with 35 assists and securing 134 rebounds. Making progress with teammates and coaches has helped her improve so far, as she continues to get better.
'We have right now, eight active players, so it almost became inevitable that I was going to touch the floor,' she said. 'All of my teammates and my coaches have been super supportive about it and they've helped me.'
The Ladyjacks are a 14 seed and will face off with #3 Notre Dame at 2:00 on Friday.
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