BREAKING: Krista Gerlich Makes Power Move—Texas Tech Hires UNC’s Adrian Walters as Lady Raiders’ New Associate Head Coach

In a bold and strategic offseason decision, Texas Tech women’s basketball head coach Krista Gerlich has added a major piece to her coaching staff puzzle. Adrian Walters, formerly an assistant coach with the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, has officially joined the Lady Raiders as Associate Head Coach, signaling a significant upgrade to the program’s leadership and long-term vision.

The announcement, made on June 14, has immediately sent ripples through the college basketball world, particularly within the Big 12. Walters brings not only a wealth of coaching experience from one of the ACC’s most competitive programs but also a proven track record in player development, defensive schemes, and recruiting at the national level.

Walters spent the last three seasons at North Carolina, helping guide the Tar Heels to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and mentoring some of the ACC’s premier talents. His tenure in Chapel Hill was marked by a gritty defensive identity and an aggressive, up-tempo style of play—two areas the Lady Raiders are looking to strengthen heading into the upcoming season.

Now, he heads to West Texas with the title of Associate Head Coach, joining forces with Gerlich as she enters a critical year aiming to reestablish the Lady Raiders as a top-tier program. Walters will not only be Gerlich’s top assistant but a key voice in strategy, recruiting, and team culture.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Adrian to our Lady Raider family,” Gerlich said in a statement. “His passion for the game, his deep understanding of player development, and his experience on the national stage are exactly what we need as we chase excellence. He will play a huge role in our growth.”

Walters has carved out a reputation as a coach who connects deeply with players and demands excellence on and off the court. Prior to his stint at UNC, he coached at other Division I programs, including stints in the SEC and Conference USA, consistently earning praise for his recruiting acumen and his ability to maximize the potential of post players.

In Lubbock, he’ll be tasked with helping the Lady Raiders sharpen their competitive edge in a conference that’s only getting stronger. His emphasis on toughness, accountability, and tempo fits neatly into Gerlich’s philosophy—a blend of Texas grit and modern pace.

Texas Tech fans have been eagerly awaiting signs of a turnaround in the women’s program, and this hire may very well mark a turning point. With Walters on board, Gerlich’s staff now boasts experience from nearly every corner of elite college basketball. The staff shake-up comes amid what has already been a promising offseason, with new recruits arriving and returning players showing growth.

The Lady Raiders finished last season with flashes of competitiveness but struggled to find consistency, particularly on defense and in the paint. That’s where Walters’ expertise could be immediately felt. His coaching style demands discipline, fast transition defense, and aggressive rebounding—areas where the team fell short in 2024.

His recruiting connections could also open the door to high-impact transfers and incoming freshmen, especially in areas like the Southeast where Texas Tech has historically had less reach. Walters is widely respected among AAU circles and high school programs and is expected to bring both strategic insight and new pipelines of talent to Lubbock.

This move sends a clear message: Krista Gerlich and Texas Tech aren’t content with staying in the middle of the Big 12 pack. With a new arena on the horizon, an energized fanbase, and now a high-level coaching addition, the Lady Raiders are positioning themselves for a return to prominence.

Walters’ presence gives Gerlich a trusted partner who can share the load of tactical decision-making, player mentorship, and recruiting coordination. It’s a critical shift in the program’s internal structure and could be the spark that lights the fire under a team with untapped potential.

The hiring of Adrian Walters isn’t just a coaching move—it’s a statement of intent. Krista Gerlich has found a seasoned, battle-tested leader to stand by her side as she navigates one of the most competitive landscapes in women’s college basketball. Texas Tech’s trajectory is unmistakably upward, and Walters may be the catalyst that turns that potential into postseason reality.