The recruiting process for a high school athlete can be both flattering and frustrating. School coaches are showing her or him just how much in demand they are. Then finally they must decide on a school or university, perhaps the first major decision in the young person’s life. Such decisions often don’t come easy.
Savannah Gardner was the recruiting focus of several colleges and universities during her Eastview High School days. The Apple Valley native told the MSR that several factors came into play in eventually settling on attending the University of St. Thomas for academics and basketball.
Staying close to home was a prime reason, she said.
“[At first] I wanted to get out, I wanted to go far [from home]. I was at an AAU game and neither of my parents could make it because they were both sick,” recalled Gardner. “Then I realized I had no one to go hug [afterwards], how much it meant to me them being there to watch me.”
The nurturing environment at St. Thomas, its St. Paul campus and its proximity for her folks and others to attend her games ultimately were the tipping points in her final decision for school, continued Gardner.
“It means a lot being close to home, being able to keep that connection with my family and stuff, being able to be home for Christmas and Thanksgiving when you get a couple days off.”
The 5’10” Gardner is the only Black freshman on this year’s Tommies women’s basketball team. She formerly starred at Eastview and North Tartan AAU team, a member of the 2022 16U National Championship and the Minnesota AAU State Championship teams.
Thus far no regrets, said Gardner.
“I think one of the biggest things that stood out to me at St. Thomas was how much they care about who you are as a person outside of the athletics, and just setting you up for the most success you can after you get done with these four years,” she said.
Expectedly, Gardner is experiencing a typical first year in college, adjusting to the double lifestyle of being a student and a student athlete, finding the right balance in both worlds.
“I think there’s definitely always some ups and downs,” she noted. “But I think something that really stood out to me was how close our team was. They talked about [that] during my recruiting process, about how close they were.
“A lot of teams say that but don’t truly feel that way,” said Gardner. “But I truly feel like we are a close team, and I like they’re always willing to help me out when it comes to school or getting extra shots up or anything like that.”
Gardner is hoping to go into medicine after her college days: “I want to become a veterinarian. Right now, my plan is to major in bio. Hopefully I can get into the U of M for grad school.
“I’ve always just loved animals, especially since I was little. It’s just always been a dream of mine.”
UST is now in conference play. The team is not off to a great start but is working to improve on that as the season goes on. The Tommies this week play at Oral Roberts (Jan. 16) and Omaha (Jan. 18).
“Just to continue to get better day by day,” concluded Gardner on her personal goal as well as the team’s. “Continue to get better, just staying together and stay connected.”
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@spokesman-recorder.com.