LUBBOCK, Texas – In a major move that has sent a surge of excitement through the Texas Tech women’s basketball community, head coach Krista Gerlich has officially announced the signing of standout international recruit Mariam Sanogo to the 2025-26 Lady Raiders roster. Widely regarded as a rising star with tremendous upside, Sanogo’s commitment marks a pivotal moment for the program as it continues its climb back into the national spotlight.
Sanogo, a dynamic and athletic forward with global experience, brings with her a unique blend of size, skill, and tenacity that is expected to make an immediate impact in the Big 12. Hailing from Mali, Sanogo has built an impressive résumé through international competition and elite development camps. Her decision to choose Texas Tech over a host of other suitors across the United States is seen as a testament to the program’s growing prestige under Coach Gerlich’s leadership.
“This is a huge day for Lady Raider basketball,” Coach Gerlich said. “Mariam Sanogo is not only one of the most promising young talents internationally, but she is also the kind of person we want in our locker room. She’s tough, determined, and has an incredible work ethic. We believe she can help us compete at the highest level and continue to raise the standard here in Lubbock.”
Standing at 6-foot-2, Sanogo is known for her defensive prowess, rebounding instinct, and shot-blocking ability. Her length and lateral quickness allow her to guard multiple positions, while her improving offensive game has scouts projecting her as a potential professional down the line. With a motor that never stops and a high basketball IQ, Sanogo has already drawn comparisons to elite college forwards due to her versatility and presence on the court.
“She’s relentless on defense and plays with a fearlessness that you just can’t teach,” one Big 12 assistant coach said anonymously. “If she develops on schedule, she could be one of the best players in the league within a couple of years.”
Sanogo’s addition is the latest sign of Texas Tech’s growing international recruiting footprint. Coach Gerlich and her staff have made a concerted effort to identify talent globally, recognizing the rising wave of elite players from Africa, Europe, and beyond. With Sanogo, the Lady Raiders gain not just a high-upside player, but a competitor who has thrived in international tournaments against elite competition.
Texas Tech has long been a program rich in tradition and history, and Sanogo’s signing reaffirms that the Lady Raiders are once again attracting elite-level prospects who want to help restore the program’s championship legacy.
Since taking the reins in 2020, Krista Gerlich has been steadily building a foundation centered on culture, accountability, and a relentless desire to win. Signing Mariam Sanogo represents a new chapter in that process—one that signals Texas Tech’s readiness to not just rebuild, but to contend.
“We’ve been very intentional about who we bring into our program,” Gerlich added. “We want players who love the game, who embrace the grind, and who want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Mariam fits that mold perfectly.”
The fan base in Lubbock, known for its passion and loyalty, has already begun buzzing on social media following the announcement. Many believe Sanogo could be the cornerstone of a new era of success, joining a talented and hungry roster that is already making strides in the Big 12.
“I’ve been watching this program closely for years,” said longtime Lady Raider supporter Denise Morgan. “And this signing feels like the start of something special. You don’t just find a player like Mariam Sanogo every year. This is big.”
With her senior year of high school ahead, Sanogo will continue to develop her game and prepare for the transition to college basketball. Meanwhile, Coach Gerlich and her staff will be hard at work integrating Sanogo into their long-term vision—one that aims to bring Texas Tech back to national prominence.
