From Boilermakers to New Beginnings: Eva Hudson’s Next Chapter After Leaving Purdue Volleyball

WEST LAFAYETTE — The Purdue Boilermakers volleyball team has long been a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten Conference, and for the past three seasons, they could consistently count on one player to deliver game-changing performances: outside hitter Eva Hudson. Known for her powerful presence on the court, Hudson has been the cornerstone of Purdue’s success, and as a three-time All-American and the 2023 Midwest Region Player of the Year, she has solidified her place as one of the most dominant players in collegiate volleyball.

However, in a surprising turn of events, Hudson has now entered the transfer portal, joining teammates Chloe Chicoine, Lourdes Myers, and Lizzie Carr in the search for new opportunities. This announcement comes after Purdue’s successful 2023 season, which saw the Boilermakers finish with a 27-7 record. While Purdue’s volleyball program has experienced great success during Hudson’s tenure, this news marks the end of an era for the team and opens up new possibilities for the star outside hitter.

Eva Hudson’s Incredible Purdue Career

Eva Hudson’s journey at Purdue University has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the course of three seasons, Hudson established herself as a powerhouse in the NCAA, and her name became synonymous with excellence on the volleyball court. In 2023, Hudson became the fastest player in program history to reach 1,000 career kills, a feat that spoke to her consistent dominance and remarkable skill set.

By the end of the 2023 season, Hudson had amassed an impressive 1,641 kills, putting her on track to break the Purdue career record of 2,108 kills set by Debbie McDonald back in 1989. As one of the most prolific hitters in the country, Hudson’s kills were the backbone of Purdue’s offense, and her ability to perform under pressure was one of the reasons the Boilermakers were consistently a top team in the NCAA.

But it wasn’t just Hudson’s offensive prowess that made her a standout player. She has also been a consistent force in the backcourt, currently on pace to become the 10th player in Purdue history to record 1,000 career digs. This combination of offensive firepower and defensive capability set Hudson apart from many of her peers and earned her accolades and recognition from coaches and fans alike.

In 2022, Hudson was named the Big Ten Player of the Year, an honor that cemented her as one of the conference’s top players. She also won Purdue’s Female Athlete of the Year award that season, showcasing her all-around impact on the program. Her exceptional talent earned her an AVCA All-America honorable mention in 2022, and in 2023, she received second-team All-America honors. Hudson’s ability to elevate her game in crucial moments made her a consistent contender for top honors across the nation.

Teammates Join Her in the Transfer Portal

Hudson’s decision to enter the transfer portal is made even more surprising by the fact that she is not alone in her departure. Alongside her, outside hitter Chloe Chicoine, a key contributor to the team’s success in 2023, also entered the portal, as did teammates Lourdes Myers and Lizzie Carr. These departures follow Purdue’s successful season but signal a significant shift for the program.

For Hudson, this may signal a desire for new challenges and opportunities, or it could be an attempt to pursue further success with a new team that aligns with her evolving goals and aspirations. Whatever her reasoning, the timing of her decision has left many wondering about her next steps.

Why the Transfer Portal?

The transfer portal has become a significant feature in college athletics in recent years, allowing student-athletes to explore potential new opportunities at other programs. While Hudson’s departure is certainly a loss for Purdue, it is a growing trend in college volleyball, especially for high-performing athletes looking for fresh challenges and potentially better-fitting programs.

In Hudson’s case, entering the transfer portal may reflect a desire to compete at the highest level possible in her final years of eligibility. After already accomplishing so much at Purdue, Hudson may feel that a new environment could offer her the opportunity to further showcase her skills and take her game to new heights. Given her status as a top-tier player, she will likely have no shortage of suitors looking to recruit her to their programs.

The reasons behind Hudson’s decision are still largely unknown, but many fans speculate that the intense competition and high expectations within Purdue’s volleyball program, along with the possibility of her seeking new challenges, may have played a role. Whatever the reasons, it is clear that Hudson has left an indelible mark on the program and will continue to shape the landscape of collegiate volleyball wherever she ends up.

Purdue Volleyball’s Future Without Hudson

While Hudson’s departure represents a significant loss for Purdue volleyball, the team will undoubtedly work to regroup and continue its success under the leadership of head coach Dave Shondell. The Boilermakers have consistently been a contender in the Big Ten and have made deep runs in the NCAA tournament. Though they will miss Hudson’s contributions, the program has a strong foundation and a history of developing talent.

The Boilermakers will likely look to younger players to step up in Hudson’s absence, and it’s possible that Purdue’s next star player is already in the pipeline. The team’s recruiting efforts will likely intensify, as they look to replace a player of Hudson’s caliber. While it may take time to fill the void left by Hudson’s departure, Purdue volleyball has a storied history of success, and the program’s resilience will help them navigate this transition.

Hudson’s Legacy at Purdue

Eva Hudson will leave a lasting legacy at Purdue University. Her name will be etched in the record books for years to come, and her achievements on the court will inspire future generations of Boilermaker volleyball players. She redefined what it means to be a dominant force in the Big Ten and in collegiate volleyball, and her ability to make an impact both offensively and defensively set her apart as one of the best players to ever wear the Purdue uniform.

While her future remains uncertain, Hudson’s accomplishments thus far have cemented her status as a legend in the volleyball world. As she looks for her next opportunity, there is little doubt that she will continue to succeed and challenge herself in new ways. Wherever she lands, Hudson will undoubtedly remain a formidable presence in collegiate volleyball and a player to watch in the coming years.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Eva Hudson?

As Eva Hudson enters the transfer portal, her next steps are the subject of much speculation. Will she choose to stay within the Big Ten or head to a different conference entirely? Will she pursue a program with similar aspirations and a history of success, or will she opt for a new challenge where she can take on a more prominent role? As one of the most accomplished players in collegiate volleyball, Hudson’s options are wide open, and her decision will likely have significant implications for the programs that court her.

For Purdue, the loss of Hudson is a blow, but the program’s commitment to excellence will ensure that they remain a force in the Big Ten and national volleyball scene. The future is bright for Purdue volleyball, even as they say goodbye to one of their all-time greats. As for Hudson, her journey is far from over, and fans across the country will be watching closely to see where her next chapter unfolds.

A New Chapter for Eva Hudson

Eva Hudson’s entry into the transfer portal marks the end of an era at Purdue University, but it also opens the door to new opportunities for one of the most talented players in collegiate volleyball. Whether she stays within the Big Ten or moves to a new program, her legacy at Purdue is secure, and she will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the volleyball world. As the future of the Boilermakers continues to take shape, Hudson’s next steps will be eagerly anticipated, and her impact on the sport will undoubtedly continue to resonate for years to come.