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It came as little surprise when McKenna Layden announced her commitment to Katie Gearlds and the Boilermakers Monday evening. She will join her sister, Madison Layden, during her senior season in a couple of years in West Lafayette.
Like her sister, Layden is a tremendous all-around player and should be a big addition to Katie Gearlds’ squad for the class of 2023. As a sophomore, McKenna averaged 22.9 points, 6.1 assists, and 8.5 rebounds this past season. She was also a pest defensively with 3.5 steals to go along with 1.3 blocks per game.
As mentioned before, it seemed inevitable that McKenna would join her sister with the Boilermakers, but today she made that official.
Excited to announce that I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at Purdue University!! Special thanks to my family and coaches and everyone who has supported me along the way!! Boiler Up!! pic.twitter.com/Ze49tnjFBg
— McKenna⭐️ (@mckennalayden) June 28, 2021
Layden now becomes the first pledge for the class of 2023 and could be deemed the crowned jewel when everything is said and done.
Looking ahead for Katie Gearlds on the recruiting front, she already has 6 new ladies joining the program this coming season. The 2021 recruiting class consists of Jayla Smith, Ava Learn, and Skye Williams, who are paired alongside transfers Abby Ellis, Mide Oriyomi, and Jeanae Terry.
The following season, Purdue has another three solid recruits coming in for the class of 2022 consisting of Abigail Jegede, Lilly Stoddard, and Ainhoa Holzer.
Gearlds is currently cementing her place in the Big Ten recruiting fold, but in just a few short months she is already off to a tremendous start. Congrats to McKenna and welcome aboard, Boiler Up!