![\"Texas](\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2026\/01\/01204109\/USATSI_27913811-scaled-e1767323037135-1024x683.jpg?width=1920&quality=70&auto=webp\")
<\/span><\/div>\nKrista Gerlich has led Texas Tech to a 15-0 record this season. Stephen Garcia \/ Avalanche-Journal \/ Imagn Images<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Texas Tech has signed Stephanie Okechukwu, who at 7-foot-1 is the tallest player in women\u2019s college basketball history if the NCAA approves her eligibility.<\/p>\n The school officially announced the signing on Friday<\/a>, two days after Red Raiders head coach Krista Gerlich put a cryptic post on X<\/a>, saying, \u201cWalking into the New Year feeling 7 feet tall!\u201d with a video of a person who appeared to be Okechukwu. The school also posted a picture of the center<\/a>, who reportedly has a 7-4 wingspan, palming two basketballs on the program\u2019s website.<\/p>\n In an Instagram Reel that could strike fear into the hearts of future Texas Tech opponents, Okechukwu is shown dunking effortlessly<\/a> and barely even leaving the floor. She\u2019s got a deft touch with ball-handling, passing and rebounding.<\/p>\n Until Okechukwu is officially approved by the NCAA, the current tallest players in women\u2019s college basketball are 6-foot-10 centers Nicole Dominguez of Middle Tennessee State and Abbie Boutilier of Eastern Illinois. Okechukwu has never played in the WNBA or at any level of the NCAA.<\/p>\n Okechukwu would be joining a Texas Tech team that is 15-0 and ranked 21st in the nation. Guards Snudda Collins, Bailey Maupin and Jalynn Bristow are all averaging more than 14 points.<\/p>\n Adding a 7-footer in the paint could bolster a defense that is already one of the best in the nation. The Red Raiders rank fifth in opposing field goal percentage (31.7%) and 10th in points allowed per game (52.3).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n