Texas Tech University could soon welcome the tallest woman in NCAA women’s college basketball history. Stephanie Okechukwu, who is 7-foot-1 tall, is set to make her basketball debut at the university. Texas Tech announced Okechukwu’s arrival while she awaits final approval from the NCAA.
Who is Stephanie Okechukwu?
Okechukwu is set to join the Red Raiders as a center. She hails from Nigeria and has played high school basketball at Fukuchiyama Seibi in Kyoto, Japan. Okechukwu speaks English, Igbo and Japanese, according to The Washington Post. She will be majoring in business while enrolled at Texas Tech.
“Stephanie has finally arrived in Lubbock and she was worth the time, effort and teamwork that went into getting her here,” head coach Krista Gerlich said in a news release. “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. 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.”
Okechukwu signed with Texas Tech in October after the university focused on international recruiting over the past two years. Okechukwu is the fifth international player to be added to the team roster alongside players from France, Spain and the Czech Republic. Gemma Núñez from Spain and Sarengbe Sanogo from France have already started playing.
Stephanie Okechukwu may become the tallest woman in NCAA history
Stephanie Okechukwu is currently awaiting final NCAA approval of her initial eligibility. She is set to make history by being the tallest woman in the organization’s history. Her coaches spoke about the advantage she brings due to her height, while emphasizing her character on and off the court.
“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,” associate coach Erik DeRoo said in the news release.
“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,” DeRoo added. “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.”