Is this really a promising season for Purdue? The Purdue Volleyball program is facing a period of significant transition after losing its top talents at the NCAA transfer portal. Following a season of promise, the Boilermakers have experienced a wave of departures from key players, forcing the team to undergo a substantial roster overhaul. This period of transition presents both challenges and opportunities for the program as it looks to rebuild and compete in the highly competitive Big 10 Conference.

After a wave of key departures, including star outside hitter Eva Hudson and other key middle blockers, have created significant holes in the Purdue lineup. However, a late Christmas gift arrived in the form of Bianka Lulić, a talented transfer from the University of Miami, injecting a dose of optimism into the program.

In an effort to bolster its roster, Purdue has added Bianka Lulić, a former middle blocker from the University of Miami. Lulić brings valuable experience and athleticism to the Boilermakers. Bianka Lulić, a native of San Diego, Calif., spent two seasons with the Hurricanes before entering the NCAA transfer portal. She will bring her talents to West Lafayette with three years of eligibility remaining.

During her time at Miami, Lulić played in 64 sets and recorded 73 kills and 61 blocks. While her playing time was limited, she showcased her potential and will undoubtedly add depth to the Purdue front line. She was part of a successful Miami team that achieved a 22-11 record, including 12 victories within the competitive ACC conference. They advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament before falling to Nebraska.

Coach “Dave Shondell” will be looking to Lulić to make an immediate impact and help fill the void left by the departing players. Purdue, coming off a strong 27-7 season with a 16-4 record in the Big Ten and a Sweet 16 appearance, is eager to build upon their success. Purdue has also welcomed former USC middle blocker Lindsey Miller, former Iowa outside hitter Nataly Moravec and former Michigan State outside hitter Akasha Anderson to the fold.

Key Departures Shake Up Purdue Volleyball Roster

The Purdue Volleyball program is facing a significant roster turnover this offseason, with several key players, including star outside hitter Eva Hudson, departing from the program. This follows a trend of player movement seen across college athletics, with the transfer portal playing a significant role in shaping team rosters.

The Boilermakers have seen a wave of departures, including crucial contributors like Lourdes Myers and Lindsey Carr. Lourdes Myers, a redshirt senior who has spent five years on the team as a middle blocker, is now looking to spend her last year elsewhere. These departures leave significant holes in the Purdue lineup. Despite enjoying impressive stats of 3.08 kills and 2.95 digs per set last season, Chico Chicoine, an outside hitter and the most decorated freshman in Purdue history, has also signed up for the transfer protocol.

Hudson, a dominant force on the court, has transferred to the Kentucky Wildcats for her final season. Her departure will undoubtedly have a major impact on Purdue’s offensive firepower. A three-time All-Big Ten selection, including this season’s Midwest Regional Player of the Year award, Hudson boasted 4.81 kills per set and a .287 hitting percentage. Her departure will be a major loss for the Purdue Volleyball program.

This was a significant setback for the Boilermakers as the team heavily relied upon these athletes. Their departure will create a gaping hole in the squad. The loss of these experienced and talented players presents a significant challenge for Coach Dave Shondell and his staff. They must now navigate this period of transition, identify and recruit new talent, and develop the remaining players on the roster to fill the void left by the departing seniors for the 2025 season.