Katie Gearlds received a contract extension from Purdue, with an official announcement made on Tuesday. She will continue to coach the Boilers through 2028-29.
Well worth it
Katie Gearlds will remain at the helm of the Purdue women’s basketball program for the foreseeable future.
On Tuesday, it was officially announced that the Board of Trustees has approved her contract extension, which keeps her in West Lafayette until the end of the 2028-29 college basketball season.
“We are thrilled that Katie Gearlds will continue to lead Purdue Women’s Basketball as we work Katie Gearlds will remain at the helm of the Purdue women’s basketball program for the foreseeable future.
On Tuesday, it was officially announced that the Board of Trustees has approved her contract extensionto restore the program to national prominence,” said Purdue athletic director Mike Bobinski.
Reward for hard work
“Katie is deeply committed to our proud history of success and is focused on building a program with a strong foundation for sustained championship-level performance. Our athletic department and the entire Purdue community are excited to support Katie, her team, and her staff in the upcoming season and beyond.”
Gearlds is entering her fourth season as the head coach of the Boilermakers, having taken over the program prior to the 2021-22 season. She has recorded a 51-45 overall record at Purdue, guiding the team to two WNIT appearances and one NCAA Tournament appearance.
Before becoming a coach, Gearlds played for Purdue from 2003 to 2007, averaging 14.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game throughout her college career. She earned the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award in 2004 and was named Most Outstanding Player in the 2007 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament.
During her time as a player, Purdue achieved a 103-30 record.
“I am thrilled to continue leading this amazing program,” Gearlds stated. “I am thankful for the support from athletic director Mike Bobinski, president Mung Chiang, the Purdue Board of Trustees, and deputy athletic director Tiffini Grimes.
From watching the program’s success as a child in this state to wearing Purdue’s colors and now leading this fantastic team, Purdue has profoundly influenced my life. I appreciate the chance to bring further success to this university and help develop our young women into leaders as they graduate.”
Before her tenure at Purdue, Gearlds coached at Marian University (NAIA) for eight seasons (2013-2021), where she achieved a remarkable 227-49 record and won two NAIA Division II championships in 2016 and 2017.
