Purdue Women’s Basketball Coach Katie Gearlds Officially Receives Contract Extension

Katie Gearlds will continue to lead the Purdue women’s basketball program for the foreseeable future. On Tuesday, it was officially confirmed that the Board of Trustees approved Gearlds’ contract extension, keeping her in West Lafayette through the 2028-29 college basketball season.

“We are excited to have Katie Gearlds continue her leadership as we bring the Purdue women’s basketball program to national prominence,” said Purdue athletic director Mike Bobinski“Katie is passionate about our proud history of success and is intensely focused on building a program with a foundation for sustained, championship-level performance. Our athletic department and the entire Purdue community look forward to supporting Katie, her team and staff during the upcoming season and beyond.”

Gearlds is entering his fourth season as the Boilermakers’ coach, taking over the program ahead of the 2021-22 season. He compiled a 51-45 record in West Lafayette and led Purdue to two WNIT appearances and a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

Prior to becoming a coach, Gearlds played at Purdue from 2003–07. She averaged 14.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game during her four-year career. She was named the Big Ten Rookie of the Year in 2004 and received the Most Outstanding Player award in the 2007 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament.

Purdue went 103-30 in his four seasons as a player.

“I am excited to continue leading this incredible program,” Gearlds said. “I am grateful for the support that athletic director Mike Bobinski, president Mung Chiang, the Purdue Board of Trustees and associate athletic director Tiffini Grimes have shown me and our program. From watching the program succeed as a child in this state to wearing Purdue on my chest and leading this incredible team, Purdue has had a profound impact on my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to bring more success to this university and continue to develop our young women into leaders when they graduate.”

Prior to taking over at Purdue, Gearlds coached at Marian University (NAIA) for eight seasons (2013-21), compiling a 227-49 record and winning two NAIA Division II titles (2016 and 2017).

The Boilermakers struggled to a 15-19 record in 2023-24. Purdue is hoping for a big bounce-back campaign in 2024-25.

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