I keep waiting for a day when there’s not any significant Texas Tech news and then things happen. As an aside, I’m going to be on vacation the end of next week and the week after, we are going to Cincinnati for the basketball Under Armour national tournament for Youssouf (they have a very good team that can beat just about any 7th grade team, but can’t beat a team of reclassifies) and then driving to South Haven, Michigan for actual vacation (we tried to find some place close that could be fun, so we’re hopeful it’s a good vacation spot). So there’s a good chance I’ll post some saved up things that week I’m out.
On the Diamond
Not one. Not two. But three commits yesterday for softball and they are absolutely rolling. Up first is Florida infielder Mia Williams, then UCLA two-way player, Kaitlyn Terry, and Southern Illinois infielder Jackie Lis. Williams as a sophomore hit .355, 19 homers, 44 RBIs, and is the daughter of White Chocolate, Jason Williams. In the circle, Terry was 20-5 this past year with a 2.64 ERA, 34 walks, and 172 strikeouts and in the field she hit .257 with 24 RBIs in the outfield. Lis hit .358 this past year with 11 dingers, 48 RBIs, and a .922 fielding percentage.
On the Pitch
Texas Tech soccer added 3 transfers in Clemson’s Eleanor Hays, Miami’s Emilie McCartney, and Virginia’s Chloe Japic:
The Red Raiders first addition, Hayes, joins Tech after spending a pair of seasons at Clemson. A native of Lewisville, Hays played in 15 matches in 2024, making eight starts. Known as a strong box-to-box defender, Hayes tallied one assist and four shots in her 738 minutes of action. A member of the Tigers 2023 NCAA College Cup Team, Hays assumed a key role for the Tigers in 2024, making the 15 appearances and eight starts including her first career start in the season opener against Auburn. Hayes started the final six matches of the season for the Tigers.
The Red Raiders next addition, McCartney, also hails from Texas. A transfer from the University of Miami, McCartney played in 33 matches and made 31 starts for the Hurricanes including starting all 17 matches in 2024 for the Hurricanes. Logging over 1500 minutes of action in 2024, McCartney played all 90 minutes in all 17 matches a season ago and has recorded a full 90-minute effort in 25 of her career 33 matches played. In 2023, McCartney started the final 14 matches in-a-row, meaning she concluded her Miami career having started 31 straight matches.
Tech’s third and final addition of the summer portal season, Japic, is no stranger to the Big 12 Conference having spent two seasons at Baylor before transferring to Virginia for the last three seasons. A veteran of 71 career matches and 34 starts, Japic arrives at Tech having scored four career goals including a pair of goals in just six matches played in 2021. A 2020 Big 12 All-Freshman team selection, Japic made 52 appearances and 16 starts for the Cavaliers during her three years, tallying a goal and two assists in nearly 2200 minutes played. In addition to her five years of Power Conference soccer experience, Japic also has extensive experience at the youth international level having played for the Bosnia and Herzegovina U15, U17 and U19 National teams throughout her career.
On the Gridiron
ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg has 2025 future power rankings and has Texas Tech at No. 29, one step behind Texas A&M. This is a rating that’s a bit different in that it is based on the following:
- Returning quarterback
- Likelihood of a multiyear QB on roster
- Offensive line/defensive line outlook
- Roster management
- Star power (All-Americans, national award contenders, all-conference contenders)
- Coaching staff
Here’s a bit about Texas Tech:
Star power: Morton has been efficient and effective when healthy and should be in contention for All-Big-12 honors, at the very least. Several incoming defensive transfers arrive with accolades — including Hunter, Bailey and tight end Terrance Carter (Louisiana) — while others could rise into at least all-league contention. Hudson had only eight receptions last year but is a former top-25 national recruit.
On the Hardwood
Lady Raider basketball announced the signing of Snudda Collins, a to-be senior guard/forward (6’1″) from Ole Miss where she averaged 9.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, 0.9 assists, while shooting 33% from the field, and 28% from the 3-point line in 26 minutes a game.