Stephanie Okechukwu, the 7ft 1in Texas Tech centre recognised as the tallest player in women’s college basketball history, has been granted four years of eligibility by the NCAA.
The decision clears the Nigerian-born player to compete for the Lady Raiders after months of uncertainty over her status. She joined Texas Tech in January 2026 but was unable to play during the remainder of last season while the university sought approval of her initial eligibility.
Associate coach and general manager Erik DeRoo delivered the news to Okechukwu in a video shared by the team on Wednesday. She was visibly overcome as he told her the NCAA had approved all four years so she could remain at Texas Tech while completing her degree.
“I got a call from the NCAA that said that they granted you all four years of eligibility to play at Texas Tech, which means you’d be here four years to get your degree,” DeRoo said.
Okechukwu replied: “Stop! Stop! No, are you serious? I literally think about this every day.”
Stephanie Okechukwu cleared for Texas Tech debut
The NCAA had initially awarded Okechukwu two years of eligibility. Texas Tech subsequently submitted a waiver seeking two additional years, allowing her to pursue a full degree programme while playing for the Lady Raiders.
Texas Tech head coach Krista Gerlich celebrated the ruling, writing that the decision was “what college sports should be about” and saying she was particularly pleased for Okechukwu and her ambitions.
Okechukwu is listed as a sophomore centre on the 2026-27 Texas Tech roster. She is from Umunneochi in Nigeria and attended Fukuchiyama Seibi High School in Kyoto, Japan, before developing her game through international and AAU basketball.
Standing 7ft 1in with a 7ft 4in wingspan, Okechukwu made her exhibition debut for the Lady Raiders against Angelo State last month, scoring 18 points. Texas Tech said she would make her competitive debut against Charlotte on Thursday, November 5, 2026. ([texastech.com](https://texastech.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/stephanie-okechukwu/14384?utm_source=openai))
The university described her as the tallest player in women’s college basketball history when she signed in January. Her arrival had been delayed by the NCAA eligibility review, despite her having never appeared in an NCAA game. ([texastech.com](https://texastech.com/news/2026/1/2/womens-basketball-lady-raiders-sign-7-foot-1-center-stephanie-okechukwu?utm_source=openai))
With the waiver approved, Okechukwu now has four seasons to play for Texas Tech and work towards her degree.
