Two of the all-time Greats: Colvin, Smith Named Purdue Athletics’ Female & Male Athletes of the Year.
Purdue Athletics is proud to announce volleyball standout Raven Colvin and men’s basketball star Braden Smith were selected as the 2024-25 Ricks Family Female and Male Athletes of the Year. Both student-athletes exemplified excellence through their athletic achievements, leadership and commitment to representing Purdue at the highest level of collegiate competition
We’re incredibly fortunate here at Purdue to have student-athletes like Raven Colvin and Braden Smith represent us – both in competition and as members of the broader University community,” said Mike Bobinski, Purdue’s Executive Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “Raven capped off a remarkable volleyball career as a senior this past season, etching her name throughout our record books and standing out as one of the Big Ten’s most dominant defensive players. Braden established himself as the premier point guard in all of men’s college basketball this season and was recognized as the Big Ten’s Player of the Year. Both Raven and Braden embody what it truly means to be a Boilermaker, and we are deeply grateful for the pride and passion they’ve brought to Purdue.
A 2024 Second Team All-America honoree, Colvin concluded her Boilermaker career as one of the most accomplished blockers in program history. Colvin, who previously earned All-America Honorable Mention recognition, departs as Purdue’s all-time leader in block assists and ranks second in both career blocks (642) and blocks per set (1.39). She also achieved the milestone of 1,000 career kills during postseason play, further cementing her legacy among the program’s elite.
As a team leader, Colvin played an integral role in guiding Purdue to one of its most successful seasons under head coach Dave Shondell. The Boilermakers posted a 27-7 (16-4 Big Ten) record, marking only the second 27-win season since the 1980s. Purdue finished fourth in the Big Ten standings and ranked among the nation’s top 10 in assists per set (No. 8), kills per set (No. 8), and blocks per set (No. 9), while achieving the third-highest team hitting percentage (.280) in program history.
“I’m incredibly proud of both Raven and Braden,” said Art and Connie Euler women’s volleyball head coach Dave Shondell. “The leadership, work ethic and passion for their respective games is unmatched and the impact they’ve had on Purdue has been extraordinary. Raven reinforced the standard for what it means to be a Boilermaker – and set the example for generations to come.
