Texas Tech University Athletics
Bringing the Best to Texas Tech
November 18, 2002 | Football
Nov. 18, 2002
By Julie Wendell, Texas Tech Media Relations - Raider Recruiters have a lot to brag about when it comes to recruiting student-athletes. Since its founding in 1975, the Raider Recruiter program has helped bring the best and brightest athletes to Texas Tech. The group has more than 70 members and seven coordinators. The coordinators help organize the recruiters and make sure everything is ready for recruiting weekends.
"Raider Recruiters are responsible for making sure the recruits feel welcome at Texas Tech, and also help motivate current Tech athletes," said head coordinator Allyson Reed, who hails from Mexia, Texas. "We participate in fundraisers and intramurals on the Tech campus."
Coordinator Julie Longoria from Grand Prairie, Texas, said the recruiting program at Tech differs from other schools because there is more interaction with coaches and players, and the girls are much more qualified and classy.
At the start of each school year, there is a two-step interview process to select more girls to join Raider Recruiters. After the new members are selected, everyone goes over the rules and requirements. Coordinator Lindsey Holton of Plano, Texas said this is helpful because it introduces the rules to the new recruiters, and refreshes the rules for the returning recruiters.
Rachea Smith, a coordinator from Earth, Texas, said the program really focuses on meeting the needs of the recruits.
"We help introduce the recruits to life at Tech off the field," said Smith. "It is important to introduce them to the college life they would experience as a Red Raider."
Coordinator Ferrin Ready, of Austin, agrees.
"Tech is a great college town, and has a wonderful atmosphere. We always tell the recruits how much pride and tradition come with being a Red Raider. It is important that all of the Raider Recruiters are familiar with the athletic department, Texas Tech, and Lubbock."
Along with helping recruit top athletes, Raider Recruiters also decorate the locker room for the football players. It helps keep the Red Raider spirit alive and gets the football players pumped up for the game. Coordinator Stephanie Rosiles, of Grand Prairie, Texas, said Raider Recruiters also assist with baseball recruitment and decorating for games during baseball season.
Linley Wagner, a coordinator from Plano, Texas, said Raider Recruiters help make Texas Tech feel like a home away from home. Recruiters also give a student perspective outside the athletic department.
"Raider Recruiters is a group of diverse women who help bring the best male athletes to Texas Tech."
