WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Thursday afternoon marked the first practice of the 2020-21 season for the Purdue women's basketball team. Head coach Sharon Versyp, entering her 15th year at the helm of the Boilermakers, took the floor at Mackey Arena for an afternoon workout.
"It's very exciting to be back on the court for practice," Versyp said. "Obviously going through everything, it's just nice to have all our players back on the court together with some discipline and structure. This year's team will look a lot different than last year's team, but we're really excited with the team we have out on the floor."
Following the graduations of all-time leading shot blocker Ae'Rianna Harris and four-year starter Dominique Oden, along with a long-term injury to Karissa McLaughlin, Versyp will rework her starting lineup ahead of the 2020-21 season. Seniors Tamara Farquhar, Fatou Diagne and Jenelle Grant will lead a deep roster with a surplus of experience.
Freshmen Ra Shaya Kyle and Madison Layden are set to make instant impacts after a summer of workouts, while redshirting transfers Brooke Moore and Rokia Doumbia have elevated play off the court.
"Leading up to today, we've had some workouts, but we're all really excited to be together," junior guard Cassidy Hardin said. "We have a lot of talent and experience on this roster, and I can't wait to see what will do this year."
Stay up to date on all the latest scores, stats and stories surrounding Purdue women's basketball this season by following the team on Twitter (@PurdueWBB), Instagram (@PurdueWBB) and Facebook (/PurdueWBB).