Before becoming Big Ten’s most feared hitter, Kenna Wollard was a high school phenom from Illinois. When she chose Purdue University, she wasn’t just picking a school — she was picking a stage.

Wollard has erupted into one of the most dominant forces in collegiate volleyball, leading the Big Ten with 245 kills and averaging a scorching 4.5 kills per set. Her relentless attack and clutch performances have powered Purdue to a top-tier position in the conference standings and ignited dreams of a deep postseason run.


A Season of Statement Wins

From the opening whistle, Wollard has been Purdue’s offensive engine. Her breakout moment came in late September, when she unleashed 33 kills against UCLA in a five-set thriller — a performance that not only sealed a signature win but sent shockwaves through the national rankings.

“She’s the kind of player who doesn’t just play the game — she bends it to her will,” said Purdue head coach Dave Shondell. “Kenna brings a level of intensity and execution that elevates everyone around her.”

Power, Precision, and Poise

Wollard’s game is more than brute force. She combines explosive power with surgical shot placement, reading defenses mid-rally and adjusting her angles with veteran-like finesse. Her court awareness and leadership have galvanized a young Boilermaker squad, turning potential into performance.

“She’s a nightmare to defend,” said Illinois head coach Chris Tamas. “You can prepare for her all week, and she’ll still find a way to beat you.”

Purdue’s Eyes on the Prize

With Purdue climbing the Big Ten ladder and eyeing a strong NCAA tournament seed, Wollard’s impact is impossible to ignore. She’s a frontrunner for All-Big Ten honors, and if her trajectory continues, National Player of the Year could be within reach.

For Purdue fans, Kenna Wollard isn’t just a rising star — she’s the hammer driving the team’s surge toward greatness. And for the rest of the Big Ten, she’s a weekly reminder that the road to the title runs through West Lafayette.

Kenna Wollard profile at Purdue is right here.

Photos: Purdue