WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A familiar face with a new name will be back in a Boilermaker jersey next year, as Purdue women's basketball head coach Katie Gearlds announced the return of Madison Layden for a final year of eligibility in 2025-26.
The fifth-year senior will play under her married name as Madison Layden-Zay, after marrying Purdue graduate and former practice player Rees Zay last September.
Layden-Zay will utilize the extra season of eligibility granted by the NCAA for players who played during the 2020-21 season, her freshman year.
"We are excited to welcome back a true Boilermaker to our roster," Gearlds said. "Madison had an incredible career at Purdue and was a vital part of our team returning to the NCAA Tournament. She has overcome a lot throughout her career on and off the court. Her experience and skill as an all-around player will be an instant impact for us, as well as serve a role model for our younger players.
"Throughout this process, she has shown how committed she is to this program and elevating our standard. We cannot wait to see her suit back up in the Old Gold and Black."
Layden-Zay was a four-year starter for the Boilermakers, appearing in 111 games with 93 starts from 2021-24. She was the 36th player in program history to join the 1,000-point club, finishing her four seasons with 1,022 points.
The Kokomo native is one of six players in Purdue history with 200 3-pointers in a career, ranking fifth with 206, 38 shy of Karissa McLaughlin's program record of 244. Her 35% clip from behind the arc is 14th in Purdue history. She is one of 11 Boilermakers to knock down 40 or more 3-pointers in three separate seasons.
Layden-Zay also holds a unique spot in Purdue history alongside McKenna Layden, becoming the first sisters to sign and play together for the Boilermakers. The duo hit the court together for the first time in the 2023-24 season opener at UCLA.
"Purdue is home. Being a Boilermaker has meant the world to me," Layden-Zay said. "Mackey Arena has always held a special place in my heart. When I started talking with Coach Katie about the potential to return, we both knew what it takes to get this team back to where it belongs. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and everything this program, the fans, this staff and Coach Katie have given me. "
Layden-Zay is one of six players in Purdue history with 1,000 points, 400 rebounds, 250 assists, 150 steals and 45 blocks. She is also one of eight Boilermakers to shoot 35% from the field, 35% from behind the arc and 80% at the line (Layden-Zay – 37.4% FG, 35% 3PT, 83.7% FT).
She was one of 17 players nationally to knock down 30 3-pointers and dish out 50 assists four times from 2020-24.
Layden-Zay earned a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, as well as an All-Big Ten honorable mention nod. She was invited to the USA Basketball U19 World Cup Trials after her rookie season.
Prior to her first four seasons at Purdue, Layden-Zay was a standout player at Northwestern High School, guiding the Wildcats to three IHSAA State Championship Games and two titles. She was the first player in IHSAA history to lead three different state final fours in scoring. She finished her career ranked 13th in state history in scoring with 2,360 points and was named the Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior.
Returning for a fifth season, Layden-Zay could reach some impressive milestones:
• Most games played at Purdue - 31 away
• Most 3-pointers at Purdue - 38 away
• First Boilermaker with 1,000 points, 300 assists (12 away), 175 steals (16 away) and 50 blocks (2 away)
• Reach the top 10 in career starts (16 away) and minutes played (548 away)
• Be the fourth player in Purdue history with 40 3-pointers in four seasons
• Move into the top 20 in career scoring (286 away)