Sydney Freeman, a Central Noble graduate, is making waves as a starting guard for Purdue Fort Wayne’s women’s basketball team. Yet, her journey has been anything but typical. From the gym to motherhood, Freeman is proving that dedication and resilience can go hand in hand.

Basketball Is in Her Blood

For Freeman, basketball has been a way of life since she was a child. Raised in a household where her father was always coaching, Freeman grew up surrounded by the game. “Since I was born, my dad has always been a coach,” Freeman said. “I just grew up always going to his practices.”

Her passion for the sport continued throughout her youth, leading her to play college basketball. But in the summer of 2023, Freeman’s life took an unexpected turn, setting her on a path she never saw coming.

A Life-Changing Moment

Just before her fifth and final season with the University of Dayton, Freeman learned that she was four months pregnant. The news was overwhelming. “It was really shocking,” Freeman said. “I expected to come back for another season, and it was the hardest time that I’d been through.”

At that moment, Freeman thought her basketball career might be over. The prospect of being a new mom, combined with the physical demands of playing sports, seemed nearly impossible. Yet, life had other plans for her.

From Struggles to Joy

In October 2023, Freeman gave birth to her son, Kylo. “He’s my best friend,” Freeman said. “We do everything together.” The arrival of her baby boy brought immense joy, but returning to basketball was not at the forefront of her mind.

For a while, Freeman didn’t know if she could ever pick up a ball again. However, a transformative experience at church set her on a new course. “It was at church on a Sunday, and the message was about surrender, and I was like, ‘tell me what to do, and I’ll do it,’” Freeman said.

That moment sparked a desire in Freeman to return to the game she loved—and to do so on her own terms.

A New Opportunity at Purdue Fort Wayne

Freeman knew her next move had to be at Purdue Fort Wayne, where she could continue her basketball career while also embracing her new role as a mother. “I’m so grateful that coach Marchesano gave me the opportunity to play, especially with the circumstances,” Freeman said. “I’m so grateful for my wonderful teammates that have accepted Kylo and I.”

Her teammates have been incredibly supportive, offering not just encouragement on the court but also a sense of community off it. Freeman and her son now live with teammates Ella Riggs and Jordan Reid, who have welcomed them both with open arms.

A Role Model on and off the Court

Freeman’s story is one of resilience and growth. “She’s a role model to all of us, and I think everyone can testify to that,” said Reid. “It definitely gives you the perspective that it is more than basketball, and her attitude is just phenomenal.”

For Freeman, the challenges she faced after becoming a mother have only helped her mature and grow. “It helped me grow a lot and mature,” Freeman said. “I’m very grateful for that time, even though it was really hard. It’s helped me get where I am now.”

Her journey shows that, with determination and support, one can find a way to balance life’s biggest roles—whether as a mother, a teammate, or a player.