Former Howard star joins Mystics
Former Howard standout Andrea Gardner has made the 2008 Washington Mystics squad in the WNBA and is now the only former black college player in the league. 
Gardner, a 2002 graduate of Howard, was drafted by the Utah
Starzz in the second round of the 2002 WNBA draft. She was signed as a free agent
by the Seattle Storm in 2004 and was playing professionally overseas before
being signed by the Mystics.
Gardner had a stellar career at Howard. The 6-3 native of Washington, D.C. was a two-time Mid Eastern Athletic Conference player of the year taking home the award in 2001 and 2002. In the 2000-2001 season, she led the nation in rebounding (14.2) and in double-doubles.
Gardner ranks third all-time on the school's rebounding list (1,080) and sixth in scoring (1,353). She is only the third player in Howard's storied women's basketball history to record 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.
During her first season at Howard, Gardner was the subject of a case study by the Washington Post on student athletes who were partial qualifiers under Proposition 48. She proved to be successful in fulfilling her requirements by graduating in four years, thus earning an additional year of eligibility. She decided to forego her senior year and enter the draft.
The Mystics opened the 2008 regular season on Saturday, May 17 on the road against the Indiana Fever. Playing off the bench, Gardner played just under four-and-a half minutes but did not score or gather a rebound.
© 2008 Azeez Communications, Inc.