WEST LAFAYETTE ― Purdue women’s basketball freshman guard Hila Karsh has her focus squarely on helping her new team grow after moving from her native country of Israel to West Lafayette.
The journey to Indiana was not an easy one due to international conflicts stemming from the Israel-Hamas War. Her home city of Rishon LeZion was targeted and bombed by Iran in June, delaying Karsh’s arrival to the United States.
“It was very intense, but I’m so happy to be with my teammates and the coaches,” Karsh said. “I’m so happy and lucky.”
Karsh has impressed teammates and coaches since her arrival, specifically her ability to knock down 3-pointers. An aspect that was missing from the Boilermakers in 2024-25, which shot 32.1% and ranked 142nd in the country in the category.
The 21-year-old was seen on X (formerly Twitter) sinking 31 consecutive 3-pointers during practice on Aug. 23.
“I’m a shooter,” Karsh said. “I’ll go where my coaches need me to be, but I can shoot, I can pass and I can cut. Shooting is a main aspect. You can’t play the game without knowing how to shoot.”
Karsh’s leadership has been noted by coach Katie Gearlds.
Karsh enters college as a 21-year-old true freshman having experience playing FIBA tournaments for Israel’s senior team in 2024. She also averaged 14.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG and 2.4 APG for Israel U20 during the FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship in 2023.
“There’s a maturity about her. She understands how to play the game,” Gearlds said. “She can shoot the heck out of the ball. If her feet are set, there’s a good chance it’s going in. She’s smart and can find a way to put the ball into the bucket.”
Karsh’s ability to hit 3-pointers complimented with her court vision allows Purdue to have a second, readily available threat from deep with guard Madison Layden-Zay returning for her graduate season.
With Layden-Zay just 38 makes away from tying 2021 alum Karissa McLaughlin for the most 3-pointers in program history, Purdue’s offense is expected to be more potent with Karsh now available.
Karsh recalled the moment meeting her teammates during her first practice after she received phone calls and texts from them, wondering about her arrival. They have helped her settle in, finding a new home in West Lafayette.
“They made me feel like we were one big family,” Karsh said.
Ethan Hanson is the sports reporter for the Journal & Courier in Lafayette. He can be reached at ehanson@jconline.com, on Twitter at EthanAHanson and Instagram at ethan_a_hanson.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Israel native Hila Karsh warms to new home with Purdue women’s basketball
Reporting by Ethan Hanson, Lafayette Journal & Courier / Lafayette Journal & Courier
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