Texas Tech is looking to build on one of the best seasons in program history.
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech head coach Krista Gerlich has hit the ground running in the 2026 offseason as she hopes to build on one of the best Lady Raiders seasons to date.
The program just reached the NCAA tournament for the first time in over a decade, which was enough to earn Gerlich a contract extension shortly after the season ended.
With leading scorer Bailey Maupin now headed to the WNBA on a training camp contract, Gerlich is tasked with keeping the roster competitive as it tries to meet the high standards set this past season.
This week, the Lady Raiders have announced two roster additions that help in those efforts.
Texas Tech Signs Tahys Da Silva and Kiki Smith for 2026-27 Seaon
Da Silva comes to Lubbock after a stellar career in the junior college ranks at Salt Lake Community College. The Paris, France native knocked down 84 3-pointers on nearly 40 percent shooting to earn all-conference and all-region honors.
"Tahys is an All-American with elite three-point shooting ability," Gerlich said. "She is one of the most efficient players in the nation. A big, athletic guard with great passing as well, fits into our system perfectly. Her length will impact our perimeter defense along with her impressive work ethic. She is another French connection for the Lady Raiders that will continue to elevate our program."
Sarengbe and Mariam Sanogo from last year's roster also hail from Paris.
Another major signing comes from former Purdue guard Kiki Smith, who joins the Lady Raiders after being the Boilermakers' second-leading scorer at 10.7 points per game in the Big Ten last season.
Smith, a junior in 2025-26, also posted 68 rebounds, 65 assists, and 36 steals while hitting 49 3-pointers.
"We have loved Kiki Smith over her career because of her scorer's mentality," Gerlich said. "She has a quick release and efficient 3-point shot but is also very capable of getting downhill and finishing at the rim or finding teammates with her passing ability.
"She has proven herself as a double-figure scorer in the SEC and Big Ten, and we feel our system will elevate her performance even more. Kiki has an incredible work ethic, disciplined mindset, and easy-to-follow leadership style. I love her joy for the game and infectious personality, too. Lady Raider Nation will instantly be big Kiki Smith fans."
Smith will now play for her fourth team in four years after beginning her collegiate journey at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, earning First Team All-American honors in JUCO, followed by Arkansas and Purdue.
Gerlich and the Red Raiders are hoping these transfers enjoy the same development as the Lady Raiders' most recent success story through the portal.
In her first season at Texas Tech last season, Ole Miss transfer Snudda Collins improved her points-per-game average by nearly five points, raised her field goal and 3-point averages by over 10 percentage points, and became the Big 12's Sixth Player of the Year and a Second Team selection.
