Purdue is rich in tradition and history, holding the record for Big Ten women's basketball tournament championships, along with annually ranking in the top 10 nationally in home attendance.

The Boilermakers share a classic rivalry with the Indiana Hoosiers, of which Purdue owns a 52–27 series lead.

Under Coach Lin Dunn, Purdue qualified for its first NCAA Tournament game in 1989.

Ten years later, Purdue won its first national championship by beating Duke University in the title game.

Sharon Versyp, a former Purdue standout, was introduced as the head coach at the start of the 2006 season.