WEST LAFAYETTE, Indiana - A unique trend is developing at Purdue University in the heart of college basketball. Sisters are taking the court together and becoming the backbone of the Boilermaker women's basketball team. The phenomenon began with fourth-year guard Madison Layden, who chose Purdue in 2018, lured by family, academics and the lure of playing close to home.
Madison's decision wasn't just a personal desire, but set the stage for a bigger goal. What Madison didn't know was that her sister, McKenna, a talented point guard, would also be Coach Gilders' first recruit three years later.
McKenna's reasons were the same as Madison's: a coach who believed in her, a prestigious university and the opportunity to play alongside her sister. Their arrival energized the team, proving the unique bond between siblings on the court.
But the Leyden sisters are just the beginning.For the 2023-24 season, Purdue has three pairs of sisters with their own stories to tell:
Caitlyn Harper and Alaaina Harper: The talented guards transferred from a West Coast school and were drawn to Coach Gilders' vision and the opportunity to play together.
Mila and Amiyah Reynolds: With ties to the University of Maryland, the Reynolds sisters chose to stay in the Big Ten and found a home in the Boilermaker family.
This on-court sisterhood is more than just a quirk; it's a testament to Purdue's commitment to family, its emphasis on in-state talent, and its ability to create a supportive environment for players to thrive. The shared experience of playing alongside siblings adds a layer of trust, understanding and chemistry that improves team performance.
As the Purdue women's basketball team continues to move forward, they are carrying on the tradition of sisterhood and demonstrating the power of family on and off the court. This unique trend is not just a statistical anomaly, but also a heartfelt story of shared dreams, unwavering support and the unbreakable bond between sisters as they find their place on the basketball court and in life.
