7-foot-1 center Stephanie Okechukwu is slated to make history as the tallest women’s college basketball player in the history of the sport after joining Texas Tech
19:53 ET, 02 Jan 2026Updated 19:53 ET, 02 Jan 2026
Stephanie Okechukwu is expected to play for Texas Tech this season(Image: Texas Tech)
The tallest women’s college basketball player in the history of the sport is even bigger than initially expected.
On Friday, No. 21 ranked Texas Tech sent shockwaves across the college basketball landscape upon announcing that Stephanie Okechukwu would be officially added to this year’s roster. Pending NCAA eligibility, the 7-foot-1 center — who was initially listed one inch shorter — would immediately make history as the tallest female player to ever compete at the collegiate level.
Elsewhere in the nation, UConn head coach Geno Auriemma achieved yet another major career milestone — but the 71-year-old was more focused on the significant number of mistakes that the Huskies made.
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Despite original reports suggesting she was 7-foot, Okechukwu measured in at 7-foot-1 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan during her recent visit to Texas Tech. Prior to the 21-year-old’s arrival, 6-foot-10 stars Abbie Boutilier and Nicole Dominguez stood as the tallest players in women’s college basketball.
Okechukwu began honing her basketball skills in high school at Fukuchiyama Seibi in Kyoto, Japan. The Umunneochi, Nigeria native is slated to join Texas Tech this semester, though the NCAA is still mulling over her initial eligibility status to determine if she’ll be cleared to play this season.
“Stephanie has finally arrived in Lubbock and she was worth the time, effort and teamwork that went into getting her here,” Texas Tech head coach Krista Gerlich said in an official statement announcing her signing.
“She brings an element to our team that is an instant impact. Her ability to protect the rim and alter shots will be unique to one. She has great hands and touch around the basket and clearly will provide a big inside target at the rim.
Krista Gerlich described Stephanie Okechukwu as a ‘great fit’ for Texas Tech(Image: Getty Images)
“She has a team-first mentality and ready to contribute in any way possible. She is a great fit for our program and culture, and we are overjoyed that she has arrived in Lubbock. Our staff is continuing to work with the NCAA on her initial eligibility.”
As for how Okechukwu landed with the Lady Raiders, Gerlich directed a large portion of the credit towards Erik DeRoo — an associate head coach who’s spent years networking in the international recruiting space.
“The international game has grown exponentially, which now provides prospects globally for us to recruit, and clearly with our current roster, it has already paid off,” DeRoo explained.
“The relationships built over the last two years gave us an opportunity to recruit and eventually sign Stephanie.”
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While Okechukwu’s height is the obvious trait that jumps off the page, DeRoo asserted that the budding star has much more to offer.
“We all know that the headlines will be highlighted by her obvious height of 7-feet tall, but Stephanie is an incredible person in every aspect of her life,” DeRoo continued.
“She has a fantastic story to tell, from her upbringing to her educational journey, basketball experiences, and even the process to get her to Texas Tech. Stephanie is full of joy and loves the game of basketball.
“We cannot wait for Lady Raider Nation and the Texas Tech community to meet her.”