One local Indiana guard extended her basketball career Wednesday after successfully walking on to Katie Gearlds' Purdue squad. For the freshman, becoming a Boilermaker is a full-on family affair.
Purdue basketball legacy, local freshman guard walks on to Katie Gearlds' squad originally appeared on The Sporting News
Purdue women’s basketball head coach Katie Gearlds made a surprise addition to her roster Wednesday, adding a local walk-on with deep connections to the Boilermakers.
Carley Barrett is a four-year starter out of Lafayette Central Catholic High School. If her last name sounds familiar, it should: the 5-foot-7 guard is the third in her family to suit up for Purdue Boilermakers.
Her older brother Carson finished his four-year NCAA career with the Boilermakers as national runners-up in 2024.
A former guard himself, Carson currently works with the men’s team as a graduate assistant under Matt Painter, who was a teammate of the siblings’ father Dave for three seasons. Dave played for Hall of Fame coach Gene Keady from 1988-1991, while Painter was on the roster from 1989-1993.
A four-time all-conference honoree and a two-time IBCA Small School All-State honoree, the younger Barrett finished her high school career with over 1,500 points, 464 steals and 441 assists, while shooting 44% from the field.
Last season, the guard averaged 14.2 points, 8 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 5.8 steals per game and led Central Catholic to an ISHAA Class 1A State Final appearance. Plus, she was USA Today affiliate The Journal & Courier’s 2025 co-Small Schools Player of the Year.
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Barrett is the fourth freshman on Gearlds’ roster this year, alongside forward Avery Gordon, and international guards Keona Douwstra (Netherlands) and Hila Karsch (Israel). The Purdue women may not be facing the same steep expectations as the men’s team this season, but Barrett’s addition to the team should add more excitement to the Boilermakers’ season.
Category: General Sports
