Katie Gearlds

Katie Gearlds inspirational journey is story of determination, strength, and incredible motivation to become the greatest. A native of Beech Grove, Indiana, Katie grew up playing with the boys and developed a tough and smooth style of basketball. With no goal in their back yard hours were spent dribbling and playing keep away between her younger brother, T.J., and Katie. After picking up a ball at the age of four she has never seemed to be able to put it down. All family vacations, and trips were centered around AAU tournaments, or high school basketball. Katie was named MVP in 2002 of the AAU 17-and-under national tournament after leading Indiana's Finest Black Cats to the national title.

In 2003, while attending Beech Grove High School, she established herself as one of top women's basketball players in the country. Katie catapulted her team to a Class 3A state championship. They became the first team in Beech Grove High School history to win a state championship. During her high school career she scored 2,521 points, ranking fourth in Indiana history. Gearlds led the state in scoring as a senior in 2002-03 averaging 30.1 points per game, along with 9.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 5.1 steals per game. In addition to basketball, Katie's AAU and High School basketball careers have given her what some claim to be "legendary" status. People will always remember her three free throws to tie the semi state game at the end of regulation in front of a packed crowd. She was quoted in the Indianapolis Star as saying "I felt so much pressure because I didn't want to let my teammates, my coaches or the community down." It wouldn't have mattered if she did miss those shots, she already had brought all of Beech Grove close to greatness and everyone is appreciative. She will be talked about around here for a long time to come. For the whole community, I will say Thank You, Katie!

In 2003, at the conclusion of her senior year Katie Gearlds was bestowed the honor of becoming Indiana Miss Basketball. In addition Gearlds was also named the 2003 Gatorade Indiana Player of the Year, and 2003 Nike/WBCA All-American, and 2003 McDonald's All- American. Gearlds became the MVP of the McDonald's All-American game by scoring 17 points to lead the West team to a victory.

Gearlds became the fifth Indiana Miss Basketball player to play at Purdue. Playing at Purdue allowed Gearlds to reconnected with her former AAU teammate, Sharika Webb. During her freshman year, Gearlds, established herself as the teams second leading scorer. By coaches vote she earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year accolade. In addition, Gearlds was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, Honorable mention All- Big Ten, and the Big Ten All-Tournament Team. Purdue University student recognized Katie's accomplishments by bestowing her the Gimlet Freshman Award.

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