After seven memorable seasons on the sidelines, Lebo girls basketball coach Patrick Gardner stepped down Monday morning as head coach of the Lady Wolves.
Gardner closes his tenure following another competitive year for Lebo, capping off a run that firmly established the program as one of the area’s most consistent contenders. During his time at the helm, The Lady Wolves won four Lyon County League regular season championships and three tournament titles while amassing 142 wins.
Success carried over to the state level as well. The Lady Wolves advanced to four consecutive State Tournaments, including runner-up finishes in 2023 and 2024. In both championship appearances, Lebo battled but ultimately fell to Hanover, bringing home second-place trophies in back-to-back seasons. Although the Lady Wolves fell short of returning to the State Tournament this year, the sustained success over the previous seasons marked one of the strongest stretches in program history. Every year was different and came with different special moments for Gardner.
Gardner said his decision to step away centers on family. With two school-aged children of his own, he wants to be present for their activities and sporting events — a commitment he feels is important at this stage of life.
He wouldn’t rule out the possibility of returning to coach down the road.
His departure marks the end of a successful chapter for Lebo girls basketball, one defined by championship appearances, hardware, and a standard of excellence that will shape the program moving forward.
