Stephanie Okechukwu is ready to take the world of women’s college basketball by storm. Recently signing with the Texas Tech Lady Raiders, the 7 -foot-1 phenom has the potential to be one of the most heralded mid-season acquisitions ever.
Suggested Reading
In a statement, Head Coach Krista Gerlich expressed her excitement about Okechukwu joining the team.
“Stephanie has finally arrived in Lubbock, and she was worth the time, effort, and teamwork that went into getting her here,” Gerlich’s statement read. “She brings an element to our team that is an instant impact… She is a great fit for our program and culture, and we are overjoyed that she has arrived in Lubbock.”
Here’s everything you need to bring you up to speed on Stephanie Okechukwu.
She Will Be The Tallest Basketball Player In Women’s College History
At 7-foot-1, Okechukwu is literally head and shoulders above every woman who has ever played college basketball. Add in her 7-foot-4 wingspan, when she suits up for the Lady Raiders, she will be the tallest player to be part of the NCAAW. Previously, the record was held by Nicole Dominguez of Middle Tennessee State and Abbie Boutilier of Eastern Illinois, who both were 6-foot-10.
She’s From Nigeria
Born on Feb. 17, 2002 to parents Livinus and Patience Ndidi, Okechukwu hails from Abia State in Nigeria. She also has six siblings: Calitus, Juliana, Perpetual, Veronica, Precious and Clara .
She Grew Up In Japan
A global citizen, Okechukwu spent her early years in Kyoto, Japan. She attended high school at Fukuchiyama Seibi in Kyoto. It was in Japan that she discovered her love of basketball.
She’s Never Played College Or Professional Basketball
Interestingly, Okechukwu has never played organized basketball at the college or professional level. Her debut for Texas Tech will mark her first time playing high level basketball. But when you’re 7-foot-1, you probably can adjust to any system with ease.
Her Recruitment Was a Complex Endeavor
Because of international policy and NCAA rules, recruiting Okechukwu was full of complexities. “It’s been a hell of a 48 hours,” Gerlich said following Saturday’s 80-49 win over Arizona. “It’s very surreal, because we’ve been working on this for a while. She signed with us, actually, back in October, but we didn’t want to draw a lot of attention to it because there were so many things that still had to be done for her to make it to Lubbock, Texas.” Gerlich also credited Associate Head Coach Erik DeRoo for being instrumental in Okechukwu’s arrival.
Her First Game Could Be In February
The Texas Tech staff is still working behind the scenes with the NCAAW to gain eligibility for Okechukwu. They are hoping to be granted an expectation which could lead to Okechukwu playing ball in a Lady Raiders uniform as soon as February.
She’s Joining One of the Best Teams in the Country
Even before Okechukwu’s addition, Texas Tech has been a formidable team. Currently, the Lady Raiders have a record of 15 wins and no losses in the Big 12. By adding Okechukwu, the Lady Raiders would be considered serious contenders for the Big 12 championship and even in the NCAAW tournament.
She Speaks Several Languages
Although she plans to major in Business, Okechukwu could teach foreign languages at Texas Tech. She is fluent in English, Igbo, and Japanese.
Straight From 
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.