Texas Tech Lady Raiders coach Krista Gerlich reportedly landed a big recruit on Thursday — the biggest in women’s college basketball history.
Stephanie Okechukwu, a 7-footer from Nigeria, signed to play for 21st-ranked Texas Tech, USA Today reported. If she does play for the Lady Raiders, she would surpass Nicole Dominguez of Middle Tennessee State and Abbie Boutilier of Eastern Illinois, both 6-foot-10 centers, to become the tallest college player ever in the women’s game.
The Texas Tech athletic department didn’t make the news official, but it did post a photo on its website of Okechukwu palming a basketball in each hand.
Gerlich tweeted a video of a tall woman walking through an airport, with the text reading, “Walking into the New Year feeling 7 feet tall! #WreckEm”
Okechukwu would need NCAA approval to join the Lady Raiders midseason. According to USA Today, other major-conference schools including West Virginia attempted to land Okechukwu, but Texas Tech succeeded by sending an assistant coach to visit her in Africa.
The 7-footer’s arrival would bolster the Lady Raiders, who have equaled the best start in team history at 15-0 overall (2-0 in the Big 12).
Texas Tech plays host to Arizona on Saturday.
–Field Level Media
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