Quick Facts
Biography
Kalani Purcell (born 13 January 1995) is a New Zealand professional basketball player.
Career
College
Purcell began her college career at Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas for the Blue Dragons. After two seasons with Hutchinson, Purcell became the most decorated player in Blue Dragons history, earning her a transfer to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah for the Cougars.During her time at BYU, Purcell received several awards in the West Coast Conference of NCAA Division I.
WNBL
Purcell has signed a two-year deal with the Melbourne Boomers in the Women's National Basketball League. There, she will play alongside the likes of Liz Cambage and Jenna O'Hea, under coach Guy Molloy.
National Team
Youth Level
Purcell made her international debut for the New Zealand under-17 team at the 2009 FIBA Oceania Under-16 Championship in Brisbane, Queensland, at just the age of 14.
Senior Level
Purcell made her senior international debut with the Tall Ferns at the 2013 FIBA Oceania Championship. She has taken home the silver medal on two occasions. Purcell played for the Tall Ferns at the 2016 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Nantes, France. After losses to France and Cuba, New Zealand failed to qualify.
Personal life
Purcell, hailing from Hamilton, New Zealand, is the youngest of seven children to Ingrid and Brian Purcell. Two of her older sisters, Charmian and Natalie, have also represented the Tall Ferns and are both Olympians.