by WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A double-digit scorer from the SEC will play in Mackey Arena next season, as Purdue women’s basketball head coach Katie Gearlds announced the addition of transfer Kiki Smith from Arkansas.
Averaging 10.2 points per game, Smith was the Razorbacks’ second leading scorer last season, year after being named the 2024 NJCAA DI Women’s Basketball Player of the Year and a First Team All-American.
Smith appeared in 27 games with 22 starts during her lone season in Fayetteville. She averaged 10.2 points per game, while shooting 42.2% from the field. The Topeka, Kan., native finished in double figures in 13 games last season with a trio of 20-point outings.
Smith paced Arkansas from behind the arc with 58 makes at a 40.6% clip, the second most accurate mark in the Southeastern Conference and 28th nationally last year. She was one of 25 players from a major conference to knock down 55 triples and shoot 40% or better from behind the arc.
Smith joined Arkansas after one season at Hutchinson CC, where she was named the 2024 NJCAA DI Women’s Basketball Player of the Year, an All-American and the KJCCC Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year. She guided the Blue Dragons to a 37-0 record and the NJCAA DI National Championship, garnering Tournament MVP honors.
Smith logged 17.6 points per game with a 55.9% shooting clip and 44.4% from distance at Hutchinson. She set school records in single-season scoring (652 points) and 3-pointers (82).
Smith played her prep ball at Topeka High School. She was tabbed 6A All-State all four years with a trio of first team laurels. She averaged better than 20 points per game as a junior and senior.
