Texas Tech’s women’s basketball program is entering a transformative phase as it welcomes five new transfers for the 2026‑27 season, a move that reshapes the roster with four seniors and a single returning player.
Coach Krista Gerlich has emphasized the chemistry that has already formed among the newcomers, noting that the limited number of returning athletes forces the staff to accelerate the installation of their system while fostering a tight‑knit environment.
A Blend of Experience and Youth
Among the arrivals, Rhema Collins stands out for her recent international exposure, having represented the Bahamas in the FIBA AmeriCup 2027 Centrobasket Qualifier, where she posted 16.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, and earned Conference USA player‑of‑the‑year honors with a 17.7‑point average in 2025‑26.
Tahys Da Silva, a sharpshooter from Salt Lake Community College, arrives after leading her team in points, assists and steals, and she capped the 2025‑26 campaign with 84 three‑pointers, underscoring her perimeter threat.
Destinee Hooks brings a proven track record against the Red Raiders, having scored 24 points in a game last season while at New Mexico, where she averaged 13.4 points and earned all‑Mountain West Conference recognition.
Jalayah “Bunny” Ingram, the Southland Conference newcomer of the year, joins after a season that saw her average 16.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists, adding a versatile offensive skill set.
The only returning player, Kiki Smith, transferred from Purdue but suffered a season‑ending injury, a setback that highlights both the fragility and the depth of the incoming class.
The blend of seasoned seniors and fresh talent creates a narrative of renewal, with fans hopeful that the new chemistry will translate into competitive performances in the upcoming season.