Purdue Women’s Basketball Lands Central Catholic’s Carley Barrett

LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Carley Barrett, the 2025 co-Small Schools Player of the Year, is returning to the court. Just four months after announcing the end of her competitive career, Barrett will play college basketball as a walk-on for Purdue University, embracing her family’s Boilermaker legacy.

Her brother, Carson, is a graduate assistant for the Purdue men’s basketball team and was part of the 2023-24 Final Four squad. Barrett’s decision to join the women’s program adds another chapter to their family’s connection to the university.

Barrett’s standout high school career earned her the title of Reader’s Choice Female Athlete of the Year. She averaged an impressive 14.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 5.8 steals per game. These stats helped lead Central Catholic to the IHSAA Class 1A state final game.

Did you know?
Barrett, standing at 5-foot-9, becomes the third member of the graduated 2025 high school class to join the Purdue women’s basketball team.

The Purdue roster has undergone significant changes, with much of it rebuilt through the transfer portal. Barrett will join a freshman class that includes 6-foot-7 forward Avery Gordon from Brownsburg, Keona Douwstra from the Netherlands, and Hila Karsch from Israel.

What’s next for Purdue women’s basketball?
The team is aiming for renewed motivation in the 2025-26 season after a busy period in the transfer portal.

Key takeaways from open practice:
The team’s blend of new talent and returning players was evident in their first open practice of the 2025-26 season.

Roster insights:
A look at how the new-look Purdue women’s basketball team is shaping up following their open practice.