Lauren Gardner grew up in Denver, Colorado, and graduated from the University of Colorado in 2007. She earned a degree in political science while cheering for the Denver Broncos. She spent her early twenties piecing together broadcasting jobs, including hosting Champ Car racing coverage. Later on, she became a fixture on Altitude Sports and Entertainment, covering the Nuggets and Avalanche. 

Gardner moved to New Jersey in March 2019 to host DAZN’s baseball coverage alongside MLB Network. She then joined MLB Network and NHL Network full-time, hosting shows including Quick Pitch and NHL Tonight. In July 2021, she joined the first all-female broadcast crew in MLB history for an Orioles-Rays game. She became lead host of MLB Network’s Off Base in April 2022, a role she held for two seasons. 

Gardner’s most recent assignment was hosting Apple TV’s Friday Night Baseball pregame and postgame coverage. She also continued contributing to NHL Network’s studio shows. In July 2026, after eight years in the New York area, she announced a move back to Colorado to be closer to family, ending her tenure on MLB Network and NHL Network.