Get to Know Newcomer Guard Lena Girardi

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Women's Basketball is gearing up for the 2026-27 season and with the new season the Utes are welcoming nine newcomers, transfer, Lena Girardi being one of them.

Girardi, a Purchase, New York native joins the Utes after spending the previous season at Oklahoma State. While at Oklahoma State, Girardi played in 28 games and averaged 15 minutes a game. Shot 43.6% from the field, 39.8% from beyond the arc and 83.3% from the free throw line. She averaged 7.8 points per game and 2.1 rebounds per game. Girardi posted a career-high 29 points against Langston (11/6/25). The 29-point performance included nine made from deep. Girardi is joining the Utes as a sophomore.

Why did you choose Utah?

A: The main thing was the people. People are really important to me. This is a relationship process to me and making sure I was going to be around good people so the team, coaches and support staff. The second thing was the opportunity and the system. I liked the way that Gavin saw me fitting into the system. It was a lot like how I played in high school. Being a three-level scorer, playing ultra aggressive and getting to rebound. I loved the vision he has for the program and how I can fit into it.

What's a core basketball memory?

A: I played all sports growing up but I'm from New York and they have this thing called CYO League. It's what you play when you're like five and six years old. I remember playing with all my best friends and I still talk to all of them to this day. It's a cool thing to see those relationships last from playing basketball that young.

What's your favorite thing about Salt Lake City so far?

A: The food options! I'm a huge foodie so even just having different grocery stores has been awesome.

What is something in your basketball game that you're proud of?

A: Probably my three point shooting. A lot of people questioned it coming into college but a lot of people didn't think I could shoot. When I was in the portal a lot of people kept saying "we want your shooting." And it was from a lot of people who didn't even talk to me when I was coming out of high school.

What's something in your basketball game you want to get better at?

A: Definitely my defense. That's been my main focus. For me, if I'm not the fastest and strongest it's learning angles and understanding my opponent when I play them.

What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?

A: Coffee

What would your walk-up song be?

A: I don't have a specific song but probably something by Drake or Meek Mill

What's your go-to, TV show?

A: I've been watching a lot of Love Island lately but if I need something in the background I put on Never Have I Ever or Loud House.

What's your ideal way to spend your birthday?

A: Just spending time with my family. I just want to be home. Relax at my house. We would always make dessert when I was a kid and go to dinner.

What's something that everyone knows about you?

A: I love working out. I am always in the gym. That, and my dad is Joe Giardi.

What are three words to describe yourself?

A: Competitive, Hard-Working, Loud

What's one thing about yourself you want the world to know?

A: I want everyone to know that I want to help build this program and help them win. I'm always going to show my fire and compete. I want to be involved in the community and I want fans to come out and interact with us.

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Lena Girardi

Completed Event: Women's Basketball at Eastern Kentucky on March 19, 2026 , Loss , 58, to, 72

Completed Event: Women's Basketball versus #9 Seed BYU on March 5, 2026 , Loss , 52, to, 70

Completed Event: Women's Basketball versus Arizona on February 28, 2026 , Win , 81, to, 67

Completed Event: Women's Basketball at Colorado on February 24, 2026 , Win , 67, to, 64

Completed Event: Women's Basketball versus BYU on February 21, 2026 , Loss , 74, to, 86

Completed Event: Women's Basketball at Oklahoma State on February 16, 2026 , Loss , 55, to, 73

Completed Event: Women's Basketball versus Cincinnati on February 14, 2026 , Win , 67, to, 59

Completed Event: Women's Basketball at Arizona State on February 11, 2026 , Loss , 61, to, 71

Completed Event: Women's Basketball versus Iowa State on February 7, 2026 , Loss , 72, to, 79

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