{"id":15039,"date":"2025-10-22T03:01:15","date_gmt":"2025-10-22T03:01:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/15039\/"},"modified":"2025-10-22T03:01:15","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T03:01:15","slug":"lady-raiders-talk-experience-chemistry-at-big-12-media-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/15039\/","title":{"rendered":"Lady Raiders Talk Experience & Chemistry at Big 12 Media Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

The past hangs over the Texas Tech Lady Raider program at every turn. A banner even hangs above them in the United Supermarkets Arena. It\u2019s a legacy that follows them to every national stage, including Big 12 Media Days as the first label on the screen still reads: Head Coach Krista Gerlich, 1993 National Championship Team Member.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s what happens when you\u2019ve written your name into the history books forever. It\u2019s earned.<\/p>\n

But that story was written decades ago \u2014 the pen older than the players who now wear the uniform. This season, the Lady Raiders are determined to write their own chapter. A team led by nine seniors, built on experience and shared urgency, is looking to leave their own legacy. <\/p>\n

Or as senior guard Bailey Maupin ever so directly said, \u201cFor us, it\u2019s do or die.\u201d<\/p>\n

Head Start From Team USA Experience<\/p>\n

\"\"Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games | 18.07.2025 | Basketball | Group Phase Women (GER v USA) | Grugahalle | Essen | United States of America \/ USA | \u00a9 Mikul\u00e1\u0161 Celta \/ Rhine-Ruhr 2025<\/p>\n

For head coach Krista Gerlich, the summer spent competing overseas as Team USA at the 2025 FISU World University Games was more than just a unique opportunity. It was a head start.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was an incredible experience and one that we are forever grateful for,\u201d Gerlich said. \u201cYou can\u2019t manufacture that type of competition. We had to go through adversity. Playing Germany in front of a sellout crowd and it was incredible for our chemistry. It gave several players confidence in tough situations, and that\u2019s something we\u2019ll lean on this season.\u201d<\/p>\n

The international competition also forced the Lady Raiders to adapt to a faster tempo. This resulted in more cohesive play on the offensive end and it\u2019s something Gerlich believes will translate into the upcoming season.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had to play at a faster pace in Europe, and that\u2019s going to benefit us,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got a great group of experienced, determined young women and it\u2019s been fun to watch them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even senior leader Bailey Maupin<\/a>, who traveled but did not play due to injury, felt the impact of the trip.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving new players on the team, being able to spend two weeks together and learn about each other helped a lot,\u201d Maupin said. \u201cNow when we get on the court, we know where our teammates are going to be without having to say it or call a play.\u201d<\/p>\n

Veteran Team Playing With Urgency<\/p>\n

\"\"Jalynn Bristow | Rhine Ruhr 2025<\/p>\n

With upperclassmen making up 11 of the 12 players on the roster, the Lady Raiders aren\u2019t shying away from the fact it\u2019s the last chance to get something done here for many players. A clear sense of direction that comes from experience, but also an urgency for them all.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nine seniors on the team,\u201d Maupin said. \u201cSo for us, it\u2019s do or die. This is our last year to play with our sisters and teammates. We know we need to lock in and get things done. That started this summer, being able to go to Germany. That starts in the pre-season. That\u2019s every single day that we come in, just working hard, getting stuff done.\u201d<\/p>\n

For junior Jalynn Bristow<\/a>, one of just three non-seniors on the roster, that sentiment has been evident in the team\u2019s approach on and off the court this offseason.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn the court we\u2019re close, but off it these are my sisters,\u201d Bristow said. \u201cCoach tells us the hourglass is winding down, and it\u2019s true. It\u2019s great to see everyone locked in, but also to still enjoy it \u2014 going to each other\u2019s houses, hanging out, talking through everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bristow, a former ESPN 4-star and Top 100 recruit, shined on the court in Germany. The junior led the team in rebounding while scoring in double figures and shooting over a 40% from three. She is looking to turn that breakout summer into a breakout junior season by playing more aggressive overall.<\/p>\n

\u201cDefinitely driving to the basket and being aggressive, giving myself a chance to get an and-one or get to the free throw line,\u201d she said when asked what she\u2019s worked on most this offseason. <\/p>\n

The Challenge & Opportunity of Playing in Big 12<\/p>\n

\"\"Denae Fritz | Rhine Ruhr 2025<\/p>\n

Now entering her sixth season at the helm of her alma mater, Gerlich knows that nothing in the Big 12 conference comes easy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI truly believe that the Big 12 is one of the best in the country,\u201d Gerlich said. \u201cThe coaching is elite, the players are dynamic and the parity is incredible. Anybody can beat anybody on any given day.\u201d<\/p>\n

That competitiveness is something her players have come to understand well. Particularly redshirt senior Denae Fritz, who is trying to use her experience to prepare the team\u2019s newcomers for Big 12 play. <\/p>\n

\u201cEvery night out is a big game, no matter who you\u2019re playing,\u201d Fritz said. \u201cTeams have different styles, so you really have to lock in on the prep. The physicality of the Big 12 plays a big role, and that\u2019s what I try to tell our new players \u2014 you\u2019ve got to buy into being the more physical team.\u201d<\/p>\n

To prepare for that challenge, Gerlich said her team has continued to schedule tougher opponents early in the year.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve really tried to beef up our non-conference schedule the last couple of years,\u201d she said. \u201cIt helps prepare us for the daily grind. But to be honest, I\u2019m not sure anything can really prepare you for the Big 12 because every single game you have to be on it to get that W.\u201d<\/p>\n

All Ahead of Them<\/p>\n

Texas Tech will begin that Big 12 preparation when their non-conference schedule tips off at home November 3 versus North Carolina A&T at 6pm in Lubbock. As Gerlich mentioned, Tech has beefed up their non-con this season welcoming power conference opponents SMU, Arkansas and Mississippi State back-to-back-back in mid-November.<\/p>\n

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