Purdue women’s basketball coach Sharon Versyp announces retirement

Purdue women’s basketball head coach Sharon Versyp announced her retirement on Thursday after 15 seasons with the team.

Versyp’s tenure includes a 301-192 record, four Big Ten Conference Tournament titles and nine NCAA Tournament runs.

Remember the memories.
Ever grateful for @CoachVersyp pic.twitter.com/Kwbe9jjA7s

— Purdue Women's Basketball (@PurdueWBB) September 17, 2021

Katie Gearlds, a Purdue alumna, will take over the head coach role after serving as the team’s associate head coach, as outlined in the school’s succession plan released in March.

Versyp’s retirement comes one month after Purdue opened an investigation into allegations that the head coach created a “toxic and hostile environment.” In August, the Journal & Inquirer obtained a document from the University’s Office of Institutional Equity detailing an investigation into Versyp potentially violating the school’s anti-harassment policy.

“Coaching at my alma mater has been the greatest honor of my professional life,” Versyp said in a statement through the school.

“I am thankful for my close to 20 years here at Purdue and all of the people who have been such a positive and memorable part of my experience. I am ready to chase new dreams off the court.”