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Stephanie Okechukwu made history الخميس night, stepping onto the court for Texas Tech and setting a new benchmark as the tallest player ever in NCAA women’s basketball. Standing at an imposing 7-foot-1, the sophomore center from Umunneochi, Nigeria, quickly demonstrated her impact during the Lady Raiders’ season opener against Charlotte.
Stephanie Okechukwu Breaks Record in Texas Tech Win
Okechukwu’s height surpasses the previous record held by Nicole Dominguez of Tennessee State and Abbie Boutilier from Eastern Illinois, both measured at 6-foot-10. In her 21 minutes on the court, she contributed significantly to Texas Tech’s victory, securing 10 rebounds, scoring six points, and blocking three shots.
Her journey to this moment was far from straightforward. After completing high school at Fukuchiyama Seibi in Kyoto, Japan, Okechukwu committed to Texas Tech in يناير. Initially, the NCAA granted her only two years of eligibility due to a gap year, despite her lack of prior college or professional basketball experience.
Following an appeal by the Texas Tech program, the NCAA reversed its decision earlier this week, permitting Okechukwu the full four years of eligibility. This ruling cleared the way for her to contribute immediately and for the foreseeable future.
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