Report: Texas Tech adding tallest player in women's college basketball

Field Level Media|published: Fri 2nd January, 03:17 2026

NCAA Basketball: Northern Colorado at Texas Tech

Dec 16, 2025; Lubbock, Texas, USA; A general view of the Big 12 logo on the floor of the United Supermarkets Arena before the game against the Northern Colorado Bears and the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

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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