BREAKING: Krista Gerlich Powers Up Lady Raiders Staff with Bold Additions—Ketara Chapel and Jaida Williams Step Into Key Coaching Roles

Lady Raiders head coach Krista Gerlich has officially added two high-impact assistants to her coaching staff—Ketara Chapel and Jaida Williams, two veteran minds with powerful résumés and dynamic personalities. The announcement, made today, marks a significant investment in the future of the program, one that Gerlich hopes will transform Texas Tech into a serious contender in the Big 12 and beyond.

Ketara Chapel, known for her strategic mind and strong recruiting ties, has long been respected in women’s basketball circles. A former standout at Texas A&M, she brings an elite player’s perspective combined with a coach’s grit. Chapel most recently worked at UT Arlington, where her player development skills were widely credited for shaping one of the strongest frontcourts in the Sun Belt. Now she returns to the Power 5 level, ready to inject that same competitive fire into the Lady Raiders.

Meanwhile, Jaida Williams arrives with head coaching experience and leadership savvy. Williams previously served as the head coach at Coastal Carolina for nearly a decade, guiding the Chanticleers through several competitive seasons and earning a reputation as a fierce game strategist and player-first leader. Her transition into an assistant role under Gerlich shows her commitment to building something special in Lubbock.

Krista Gerlich has been deliberate and thoughtful in shaping this program since returning to her alma mater in 2020. This latest staffing move is not just about experience—it’s about chemistry, philosophy, and a shared hunger for greatness.

Gerlich’s emphasis on culture, grit, and player empowerment has steadily reshaped the Lady Raiders, and this coaching shake-up is meant to accelerate that transformation. With the Big 12 growing more competitive and national attention increasing, Texas Tech is seizing the moment to make a bold move forward.

Why This Matters Now

The timing of this announcement is no accident. The women’s basketball landscape is evolving rapidly, and schools like Texas Tech are racing to match the energy and investment seen at national powerhouses. By bringing in Chapel and Williams—both proven, energetic, and ambitious—Gerlich is signaling that Texas Tech will not be left behind.

Player Development: Expect frontcourt players and wings to benefit greatly from Chapel’s mentorship, while Williams will bring new schemes and motivation to the backcourt.

Culture & Identity: With their shared focus on accountability, resilience, and growth, both women will strengthen the Lady Raiders’ evolving identity as a team that plays tough, plays smart, and plays together.

The Lady Raiders are coming off a season of both progress and frustration—flashes of excellence but too few breakthrough wins to make a postseason run. Now, with Gerlich’s staff reloaded and reenergized, hopes are high that Texas Tech can climb the Big 12 ladder and return to national prominence.

With Ketara Chapel and Jaida Williams now on board, the Lady Raiders’ coaching staff is sharper, deeper, and more dynamic than it has been in years. Their presence promises to raise the standard in practice, in the locker room, and on the recruiting trail.