Malia Rogers, a 6-foot-2 outside hitter from West Des Moines, signed her National Letter of Intent with Purdue on Wednesday, the first day of the college volleyball signing period, and will join the Boilermakers in January.
Rogers, a senior at Waukee High School, is expected to be the only member of Purdue's 2027 recruiting class, according to Sports Illustrated. She is ranked as the No. 3 player in Iowa and the No. 57 pin-hitter nationally in her class.
Why Iowa Volleyball Fans Should Know Her Name
Rogers put together one of the best careers in Waukee history. She set school records with 379 kills in a single season, 1,041 career kills, and 35 kills in a single match.
She was a three-time first-team all-conference selection and earned all-state honors in 2024, recognition that cemented her standing as one of the top players the state has produced in recent years.
Her signing is a win for Iowa talent on the national stage. The state has long been a volleyball hotbed, and Rogers now carries that banner into the Big Ten, where she will face conference opponents close to home.
What Purdue Coach Dave Shondell Said
Boilermakers head coach Dave Shondell, who announced the signing on the Purdue athletics website, praised Rogers in a statement.
“Purdue is getting a tremendous student-athlete in Malia Rogers. Her potential is as large as her personality, and I know she will be a fan favorite at Purdue.”
Shondell said Rogers has the skills to become a high-level six-rotation player in the Big Ten.
“She plays high above the net and has the desire to get better every day. She is a big dreamer who believes in her ability to become great. Our team is looking forward to her arrival in January.”
Why Purdue Kept Its 2027 Class Small
The signing comes as Purdue navigates the NCAA's new five-for-five eligibility rule, which allows seniors to return for a fifth season. Seniors Kenna Wollard, Taylor Anderson, and Dior Charles all went through Senior Night ceremonies after a 3-1 win over UCLA, but each can come back next fall.
The only senior who cannot return is Kate Hansen, who spent four years at Clemson before transferring to Purdue before the 2026 season. Yahoo Sports reported that it remains unclear which seniors will choose to wear the black and gold in 2027.
After the UCLA match, Shondell said he expects at least some of the seniors to return, though he did not name names. The possibility of veterans staying limited how much Purdue could add in this recruiting cycle, which explains why Rogers stands alone in the class.
Where Purdue Stands Now
The Boilermakers are ranked No. 13 nationally with a 16-7 record. They have three road matches remaining before the Big Ten Tournament later this month.
Rogers will enroll in January and get a head start on college training, giving her a semester with the team before her first full season of competition.
FAQ
Who is Malia Rogers?
She is a 6-foot-2 outside hitter from West Des Moines who starred at Waukee High School and signed with Purdue volleyball for the 2027 season.
When does Malia Rogers arrive at Purdue?
Rogers signed her National Letter of Intent on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, and will join the program in January 2027.
What records does she hold at Waukee?
Rogers set Waukee records for single-season kills (379), career kills (1,041), and single-match kills (35).