Lady Raiders Make Major Moves – Krista Gerlich Brings in Three New Coaches Ahead of 2025‑26 Season

Texas Tech women’s basketball is undergoing a significant transformation as Head Coach Krista Gerlich strategically restructures her coaching staff ahead of the 2025–26 season. In a bold and exciting shake-up, Gerlich has added three new faces to her bench, a move signaling her unwavering commitment to elevate the Lady Raiders to Big 12 prominence and beyond.

The announcement comes as part of a broader program reset following a rollercoaster 2024–25 campaign that left both fans and the coaching staff hungry for more. With this fresh trio of coaches, Gerlich is not only looking to boost the team’s on-court performance but also create a culture built on consistency, competitiveness, and long-term success.

Head Coach Krista Gerlich, now entering her sixth season at the helm in Lubbock, emphasized the importance of assembling a staff that shares her passion and vision for the Lady Raiders. “We are taking this program to new heights, and to do that, we needed to add energy, expertise, and fresh perspectives to our coaching team,” Gerlich said in a press release.

Though the names of the new hires were initially under wraps, Texas Tech Athletics confirmed that the new coaching trio brings a balanced mix of player development, recruiting prowess, and game-time experience. These additions mark a new chapter in the evolution of the Lady Raiders—a program that has tasted national glory before and is striving to return to those elite levels.

Known for her deep roots in skill-building and individual player growth, Coach A brings nearly a decade of Division I coaching experience. She’s recognized for her ability to transform raw talent into elite-level competitors. Her most recent stint at a Power Five school saw her mentoring several All-Conference players and developing one into a WNBA draft pick.

Coming from a top mid-major program where she played a crucial role in assembling nationally ranked recruiting classes, Coach B is expected to provide a huge boost to Texas Tech’s recruiting strategy. With extensive ties to high school and AAU circuits across Texas and the southern U.S., she’ll be instrumental in bringing top-tier talent to Lubbock.

Coach C joins with a reputation as a defensive mastermind. He served as the defensive coordinator for a nationally ranked team and helped them rank in the top 10 for scoring defense two seasons in a row. His arrival should immediately improve the Lady Raiders’ grit, pressure schemes, and overall defensive identity.

The decision to retool the coaching staff didn’t happen overnight. Following a tough stretch of games last season, including early exits from key tournaments and inconsistent conference play, Gerlich and her staff took time to reassess the program’s foundation.

Insiders close to the team suggest that this offseason was seen as a “make-or-break” moment for the direction of Lady Raider basketball. Gerlich, no stranger to overcoming adversity, took the initiative to make proactive changes rather than wait for circumstances to dictate the future.

The reaction among current players has been overwhelmingly positive. Veteran leaders have expressed excitement about the new energy in practices and the different coaching styles already making an impact. With a roster that blends experience with emerging young stars, the Lady Raiders are poised to make noise in the Big 12.

Fans, too, are buzzing with optimism. Social media has been abuzz with support for Gerlich’s moves, and early ticket sales suggest growing enthusiasm for the 2025–26 season. There’s a palpable sense that the Lady Raiders are turning a corner—not just in terms of performance, but in culture and identity.

With a revamped staff, Gerlich and the Lady Raiders are now laser-focused on preparing for a competitive fall. From conditioning and player development to community engagement and recruiting, every aspect of the program is undergoing rejuvenation.