BREAKING: Krista Gerlich Reloads Lady Raiders With Premier Coaching Staff and Impact Graduate Transfer

In a bold and strategic move to elevate Texas Tech women’s basketball back into Big 12 contention, head coach Krista Gerlich has made headlines by reinforcing her program with a powerhouse combination: a revamped, elite coaching staff and a dynamic graduate transfer who’s expected to make an immediate impact on the court.

The Lady Raiders, hungry to return to their former glory, are signaling they mean business. Gerlich’s latest moves are being hailed across Lubbock and beyond as both calculated and transformative. With these additions, she is laying a strong foundation for a fierce 2025–26 campaign.

At the heart of Gerlich’s overhaul is the introduction of new assistant coaches with deep resumes and proven winning credentials. These hires reflect a clear commitment to taking Texas Tech from a middle-of-the-pack squad to a true contender in the always-competitive Big 12.

One of the most notable additions is a former Power Five associate head coach known for defensive mastery and recruiting acumen. This coach brings championship experience and has coached multiple WNBA draft picks, bringing immediate credibility and tactical sharpness to the staff. Gerlich also added a former Division I head coach, praised for offensive innovation and player development—a hire that will undoubtedly help maximize the talent already on the roster and incoming recruits.

Together, these staff additions bring a well-rounded expertise to the program, combining X’s-and-O’s excellence with deep recruiting ties across Texas and beyond. According to Gerlich, this group not only “understands what it takes to win in this league,” but also shares her “relentless vision for what Lady Raider basketball should be.”

Off the court improvements are only half of Gerlich’s new plan. On the hardwood, the Lady Raiders will also welcome a highly sought-after graduate transfer guard who lit up her previous conference with her explosive scoring and playmaking. With one year of eligibility remaining, she’s bringing maturity, leadership, and a fierce competitive edge.

This transfer—who averaged nearly 17 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds per game last season—is expected to become an instant offensive centerpiece for the Lady Raiders. Her ability to create off the dribble, score in transition, and command respect from defenders adds a new dimension to Texas Tech’s attack.

Moreover, she’s no stranger to big stages. With multiple All-Conference honors under her belt and postseason experience, her addition gives Gerlich an on-court leader who can help navigate the mental and physical toll of the Big 12 schedule. She’s already being described by analysts as a potential All-Big 12 performer and a “locker room changer.”

These moves come at a crucial time for the program. After flashes of promise in recent seasons but inconsistent results, fans have been eager to see a stronger push toward national relevance. Gerlich, who took over the program in 2020, has been steadily building the culture—instilling toughness, grit, and a team-first mindset.

But now, with a top-tier staff and a game-changing graduate transfer in place, it’s clear that the rebuild is entering a new phase: the win-now era.

Looking ahead to the 2025–26 season, expectations are rising. With improved coaching on the sideline and a seasoned scorer leading on the court, Texas Tech appears poised to climb the Big 12 ladder. Internal sources suggest that additional transfer portal targets are still in play, and a few incoming freshmen are impressing early during summer workouts.

If the pieces gel, Gerlich’s team could threaten perennial Big 12 powers like Texas and Baylor—programs that have long dominated the league. And with these bold offseason moves, the Lady Raiders are no longer content with being a stepping stone. They want to be the headline.

For a fan base that still cherishes the legacy of the 1993 national championship team, this summer’s developments feel like the most tangible step forward in years. The noise coming out of Lubbock isn’t just preseason hype—it’s a warning to the rest of the conference.