WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue women’s basketball head coach Katie Gearlds welcomed the newest addition to her staff with graduate assistant Julianna Walker’s arrival at the start of July.
Walker joins the Boilermakers after wrapping up her playing career at Seattle and Syracuse.
“We’re pumped to welcome Juelz to the family,” Gearlds said. “We wanted to find someone who had an extensive playing career who would be able to pass along their experiences to our players. After my first chat with her, I knew she would be a great addition to our staff.”
Walker appeared in 87 games over the last four years at Seatle and Syracuse, averaging 5.5 points per game while knocking down 131 triples.
As a senior in 2024-25 Walker tallied 5.7 points and 1.0 rebounds in 26 appearances. She topped the Redhawks with 40 made 3-pointers. Walker averaged 6.3 points per game with a 36.6% clip from behind the arc in 73 games over three years for Seattle.
The native of Tacoma, Wash., was named the 2020-21 Washington Gatorade Girls Basketball Player of the Year after recording the third most points in state history. Walker was a three-time Nisqually League MVP and a two-time All-State selection.
A lifelong Seattle Storm fan, Walker attended many games during her childhood, including the three seasons when Gearlds was a member of the team.
“Coming off my own Division I college career, I am incredibly excited to be a part of the Boilermaker family and learn how to be a coach from one of the best – KG,” Walker said. “Growing up and watching her play for my hometown team, the Storm, I never imagined I’d one day be able to work alongside her on staff. It truly feels like a full-circle moment.”