Purdue women's basketball has signed Slovenian guard Zoja Štirn, bolstering their roster for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Štirn brings international experience, having played for Slovenia at various youth levels and earning her first senior national team call-up for the 2027 EuroBasket Qualifiers. The 5-foot-10 point guard has been a key player at Cinkarna Celje, leading her team to multiple championships, including six straight Slovenian Women’s Basketball League titles.

By the Numbers
  • Štirn averaged 10.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.7 steals per game in the SWBL during the 2025-26 season.
  • She was pivotal in helping Cinkarna Celje achieve a perfect 20-0 record in the SWBL regular season.
Yes, But

Despite strong performances at the club and youth levels, Štirn will need to adapt to a new playing style and competition caliber in the NCAA, which may present challenges as she transitions from international play.

State of Play
  • Štirn recently debuted for the Slovenian National Team, contributing in their EuroBasket Qualifiers.
  • The Purdue team aims to leverage her international experience to strengthen their roster for a competitive season.
What's Next

Looking ahead, Štirn is expected to make an immediate impact at Purdue, with fans eager to see how her skills translate to the NCAA. Continued performance at the national level will also be pivotal for her career trajectory.

Bottom Line

Zoja Štirn's signing is a significant move for Purdue women’s basketball, potentially elevating the team's performance with her proven track record in international play, but success will depend on her ability to adapt to the new competitive environment.