Katie Gearlds

2025 EMERGING VOICE AWARD RECIPIENT

BS 2007, Sociology

Women's Basketball Coach, Purdue University

Katie Gearlds is now in her fifth season as the head coach of the Purdue women’s basketball team. In 2023, she returned the program to the NCAA Tournament—Purdue’s first appearance since 2017. Establishing a new culture, revamping recruiting, and reconnecting with the alumnae and fan bases, Katie has the Boilermakers headed in the right direction.

Prior to returning to Purdue, Katie spent eight seasons taking Marian University to unparalleled success as its head coach, winning back-to-back NAIA National Championships in 2016 and 2017. Before jumping into coaching, Katie spent three seasons in the WNBA with the Seattle Storm. She was taken with the seventh overall pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft, the highest selection ever from Purdue.

One of the most prolific players at Purdue, Katie was a three-year starter for the Boilermakers during her career from 2004-07, ranking fourth in program history. For her efforts, Katie was named Legend of Mackey Arena and was inducted into the Purdue Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024.