Maddy Shirley becomes first in Central basketball history to have jersey retired

TL;DR

Maddy Shirley is the first player in Central High School basketball history to have her jersey retired, specifically No. 32. An official ceremony will take place during a girls basketball game next season.

Key points

Maddy Shirley is the first player in Central High School basketball history to have her jersey retired.
Her jersey number, No. 32, will never be worn again.
The retirement ceremony will take place during a girls basketball game next season.
The decision reflects her significant impact on the program.

Mentioned in this story

Evansville

Maddy ShirleyCentral High Schoolgirls basketball

EVANSVILLE — David Alexander said the idea originated in the middle of last season.

There were still required benchmarks to meet. But considering the impact, both in the record book and the program itself, the Central High School girls basketball coach felt this moment would be a "great starting point" to reflect what his star player meant to the program.

Therefore, nobody will wear No. 32 in program history ever again.

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Central announced that Maddy Shirley will be the first basketball player in school history to have their jersey retired. An official ceremony will come during a girls basketball game yet to be determined next season. The honor is based on a career which has few contemporaries in Evansville history.

"I think it speaks to the accomplishments and type of person that she is," Alexander said. "She did everything right from day one. The production on the floor and statistics show that. The wins show that. I'm just happy that I get to be here and see this accomplishment go through for her.

"When you own half the record book and won with it, I think you cemented yourself in the history of our program."

Central High School announced that Maddy Shirley, third from right, will be the first basketball player in school history to have her jersey retired

The University of Southern Indiana signee is tied for 38th in state history with 2,113 career points (second all-time in Evansville) to go with 1,069 total rebounds. Only 12 other female athletes completed their time in Indiana with that combo. Shirley is first in program history in points, rebounds, blocks and a smattering of other records.

She was a Junior All-Star, a two-time Supreme 15 All-State selection and three-time Courier & Press Metro Player of the Year. Central won three sectional championships and its first regional title in 2025. Her 46-point effort against No. 1 Greensburg in the semi-state ranks tied for eighth in IHSAA postseason history.

Q&A

Why was Maddy Shirley's jersey retired at Central High School?

Maddy Shirley's jersey was retired due to her significant impact on the program and her exceptional career achievements.

When will the jersey retirement ceremony for Maddy Shirley take place?

The official ceremony for Maddy Shirley's jersey retirement will occur during a girls basketball game next season, with the exact date yet to be determined.

What number jersey did Maddy Shirley have retired?

Maddy Shirley's jersey number that has been retired is No. 32.

What are Maddy Shirley's accomplishments in Central High School basketball?

Maddy Shirley's accomplishments include a remarkable career that has few contemporaries in Evansville history, leading to her jersey retirement.