Garner, from Washington Terrace, Utah, was a four-year standout for BYU from 2013-16. She earned All-West Coast Conference First Team honors for four years and helped the Cougars win a conference title in 2016. She also won two tournaments with BYU before turning pro in 2017.

As a professional, Garner played two seasons on the Symetra Tour and another two on the Cactus Tour. Garner won the Utah Women's Open in back-to-back years in 2017 and 2018 and most recently finished second in 2020. 

While spending time as a professional, Garner coached two seasons at Southern Virginia University in 2017-18. 

Before her time at BYU Lea played for her dad on the Bonneville High School (Ogden, Utah) girl's golf team. Lea finished her high-school campaign in 2012 as the number one ranked high school player in the state of Utah. With her help, the Lakers won the 4A state tournament in 2011 and 2012.