Texas Tech Signs Whitaker To Contract Extension
December 08, 2015 | Women's Basketball
Candi Whitaker has agreed to a contract extension, making her the coach of the Lady Raiders through 2020.
Dec. 8, 2015
LUBBOCK, Texas -- Texas Tech Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt announced Tuesday that Lady Raider head basketball coach Candi Whitaker has agreed to a contract extension.
Whitaker's deal, which now totals five years, has her slated to be the head coach of the Lady Raiders through 2020.
"We see a bright future for Lady Raider basketball under Coach Whitaker," Hocutt said. "It is apparent she and her staff are building something special. We look forward to continuing to see this program develop under her direction."
Whitaker and her staff brought three high-profile transfers to Lubbock, who will be eligible to play beginning next season: McDonald's All-American Recee' Caldwell, who came to Lubbock from UCLA, Jada Terry, an imposing post player who transferred in from Texas A&M and Larryn Brooks, who was an All-Big 10 performer while becoming the first Indiana freshman to score 500 points in a season.
Back in November, Whitaker's staff signed two highly-regarded high school seniors in Brittany Brewer and Grayson Bright, both of which are slated to join the Lady Raiders for the 2016-17 season.
Both athletes are ranked among the top-75 in their position group nationally by ESPNU HoopGurlz, with Brewer being the No. 97 player overall in the nation to go along with being the nation's No. 14 post player.
"I appreciate the support and commitment Kirby Hocutt and Texas Tech have shown me and the Lady Raider program," Whitaker said. "There is a process to rebuilding. We are proud of the progress we have shown and are so excited about the future. We have the highest standards and expectations for the program and look forward to competing at the highest level. I am honored to be at Texas Tech and to lead the Lady Raider program."
During the 2014-15 season, the Lady Raiders experienced a nine-win increase overall and a five-win increase in conference play. This season, the Lady Raiders are off to a quick 5-1 start, including a win over Southeastern Louisiana in which Tech broke the 100-point barrier for the first time in 11 years. Tech's only loss was a close 77-73 defeat at the hands of Washington, which is receiving votes in the AP poll.
Whitaker and the Lady Raiders are back in action Wednesday, Dec. 9, vs. Idaho. Tipoff at United Supermarkets Arena is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
Visit www.TexasTech.com for the latest news and information on the women's basketball program. Fans also can follow the program on its social media outlets at www.Facebook.com/LadyRaiderWBB and @LadyRaiderWBB on Twitter.
