Texas Tech sophomore Stephanie Okechukwu is now the tallest player in NCAA women's college basketball history. The 7-foot-1 center from Umunneochi, Nigeria, made her 2026/27 season debut Thursday night, setting a new ceiling in college ball.
Stephanie Okechukwu Breaks Record in Texas Tech Win
She stands three inches taller than the previous women's basketball record holders, Tennessee State’s Nicole Dominguez and Eastern Illinois’ Abbie Boutilier, both listed at 6-foot-10. And she put that size to work right away, grabbing 10 rebounds with six points and three blocks across 21 minutes as Texas Tech rolled past Charlotte.
Her path to the court, however, was anything but quick.
Okechukwu committed to the Lady Raiders in January after finishing high school at Fukuchiyama Seibi in Kyoto, Japan. Still, the NCAA initially granted only two years of eligibility, citing a gap year.
That ruling held even though she'd never suited up at the college or pro level. After the program filed a waiver, the NCAA reversed course this week, allowing Okechukwu to play four years.
But despite making an immediate impact in Texas Tech's opener, head coach Krista Gerlich shared her new center wasn't happy with her performance.
"She does not think she played well," Gerlich said, before looking ahead. "I'm excited for her and it's only going to get better. There's definitely more."
