Garland's aquatic journey began in St. Louis, Missouri, where she swam for the Sugar Creek and Clayton Shaw Park swim clubs. From 1986 to 1988, she proudly represented the US National Team, competing in the 1987 Pan Pacific Games and earning an Olympic Trial Finalist spot in 1988. Garland's collegiate swimming career started at the University of Texas, contributing to their 1990 NCAA Championship team. Upon transferring to Indiana University, she excelled as a Big Ten finalist, held the 200 Back School Record, and served as Team Co-Captain from 1992 to 1994.

Transitioning to coaching, Garland mentored collegiate swimmers at Eastern Michigan, Villanova University, and later served as the Head Coach at St. Bonaventure University, leading the team to the 1998 Atlantic 10 Championship title. Joining the University of Iowa in 1999, she achieved remarkable success as the Head Coach, with 27 school records broken, 6 All-Americans, 6 NCAA Qualifiers, 3 NCAA finalists, 1 Big Ten champion, and a 20th place national finish in 2003-2004.

Since 2012, Garland has been an integral part of the FAST coaching staff, leading the Elite/High School swimmers, overseeing the CAPP program, and managing the FAST Tigers Swim Lessons and Pre-Team programs. Additionally, she contributes to Summer Break Swim and conducts adult swim clinics at the Fishers YMCA.

Beyond the pools, Garland resides in Fishers with her husband, Jay, and their four children, Bailey, Austin, Mia, and Delaney, accompanied by their dogs Molly and Nestle.