Author: Purdue Athletics

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Purdue standout Samuel Vessat’s unlikely sprint toward the Olympics

What began as a basketball dream has become an Olympic pursuit for Purdue’s Samuel Vessat.

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Grit defines Purdue baseball’s remarkable 2026 season

Battling injuries and adversity, Purdue baseball keeps finding ways to win.

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The rapid ascent of Purdue softball star Moriah Polar

Some call her “Riri.” For others, it’s “Riah.” She’ll also answer to “Polar.” And “Shake ’n’ Bake,” too. But one moniker for Moriah Polar is universal: “Great.” The Purdue junior outfielder is in the midst of a season the likes...

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Farm fields to Final Four: Rob Blackman’s broadcasting journey

Making the most of the moment is what it’s all about for Rob Blackman, the voice of Purdue men’s basketball. Choosing words succinctly and wisely is an art form. That’s how one becomes 2025 Indiana Sportscaster of the Year, an...

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Layden-Zay leaves her mark in Purdue history

As her career comes to a close, Madison Layden-Zay is in a reflective mood. The fifth-year on the Purdue women’s basketball team is grateful for the opportunity and emphasizes the great experience of her last season. Throughout this final year,...

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Purdue’s senior stalwarts aim for the mountaintop

Top-ranked Purdue had just taken care of business against overmatched Rutgers at the start of December, and the local media — the New Jersey media — was buzzing immediately afterward, waiting for the visiting coach to arrive at the postgame press...

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Blough, Kerrigan rising as NFL coaches

Every day during the season, without fail. David Blough pulls into the parking lot outside the Washington Commanders facility at 5:30 a.m., and, on the dot, here comes Ryan Kerrigan pulling into another parking space. Kerrigan’s in Year 4 as...

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Purdue volleyball rises to the occasion

Purdue volleyball coach Dave Shondell didn’t have a moment to waste. In the brave new world of college athletics, student-athletes are more mobile than they have ever been. And immediately following the 2024 season and another NCAA Regional appearance, Shondell...

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Building a winning culture: Purdue soccer’s summer stars

Renovating a program takes setting high standards for everyone involved. Second-year Purdue soccer coach Richard Moodie wants the women who comprise his program to aim for the stars and to love the sport enough to make a career out of...

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Inside the mind of Purdue football coach Barry Odom

Barry Odom is a man in motion. He looks at his watch. He checks his buzzing phone. Competition for his time and attention is fierce. “What time do I get up?” says Odom, repeating a question. “The alarm usually goes...
Jalen Elrod looks ready to compete in the NCAA Championships.

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The inspiring story behind All-American Jalen Elrod

Purdue's track standout, previously featured on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, embodies 'The Persistent Pursuit' through and through Purdue women’s track star Jalen Elrod finds herself on the precipice of capping an illustrious—and unexpected—career in West Lafayette that has seen her...

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Purdue baseball star Cook took long road to success

Purdue's go-to closing pitcher has overcome more than his fair share of adversity through five seasons Sideways. Sidetracked. Sidearm. Three words to describe the standout pitching career of fifth-year closer Avery Cook, who concludes his Purdue career with one of...