Slovenian Star Zoja Stirn Joins Purdue
Slovenian point guard Zoja Stirn has officially signed with Purdue University’s women’s basketball team for the 2026‑27 season, bringing a wealth of championship experience from her native country.
During her recent stint with Cinkarna Celje in the Slovenian Women’s Basketball League, she averaged 10.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.7 steals across 23 appearances, showcasing a blend of scoring and defensive skill.
Championship Pedigree Meets Big Ten Ambition
Stirn’s résumé includes six consecutive Slovenian league titles and three Women’s Adriatic Basketball Association championships, credentials that coach Katie Gearlds believes will deepen the Boilermakers’ backcourt options.
Her arrival coincides with a roster that features 14 players, seven of whom are international prospects from the Netherlands, Slovakia, Australia, Montenegro, Tanzania, Israel and now Slovenia, underscoring Purdue’s global recruitment strategy.
Schedule Challenges and Home Court Plans
The Boilermakers are shaping a non‑conference slate that includes participation in the WBCA Showcase at Walt Disney World, as well as road tests against Florida State and Texas Tech in November, while also scheduling home matchups against a host of Big Ten rivals at Mackey Arena.
Games slated for Mackey Arena will see Purdue host traditional conference foes such as Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Wisconsin, UCLA and USC, with a double‑header against Indiana also on the horizon.