Gerlich elevates six members of coaching staff

LUBBOCK, Texas -- Texas Tech head women's basketball coach Krista Gerlich announced Monday the promotion of five members of her staff as well as the addition of Zuri Sanders to a full-time position with her alma mater.

The changes include Ashley Odom and Plenette Pierson being elevated to associate coaches, Erik DeRoo being promoted to an assistant role, Jordan Vessels earning an assistant coach title in addition to her responsibilities as Director of Basketball Operations, Mitch Vayna being named an assistant coach and the Director of Video and Scouting Operations and Zuri Sanders being named the Director of Player Development.

"Building our culture, along with this program, has been a top priority for me," Gerlich said. "When we bring on people to join our staff there are so many things that come into play. After three years, I believe we have the best people on board and in the right positions for us to have the best staff in the nation. I have elevated Erik DeRoo to a full-time assistant coaching and recruiting role to join Ashley Crawford-Odom and Plenette Pierson as associate coaches. Jordan Vessels and Mitch Vanya will also be on-court assistant coaches, and I have hired Zuri Sanders as our Director of Player Development and Social Media Recruiting.

"Erik has previous coaching and recruiting experience and has raised our social media presence astronomically in just his short two years on staff. His working relationship with our entire staff, but especially Plenette and AC keeps our staff unified and mission focused with HIGH energy, enthusiasm, and an elite basketball mindset. I'm extremely excited for Erik and this next step in his career. Adding on court coaches, Jordan Vessels and Mitch Vanya were no-brainers for me. Their experience, knowledge and expertise of basketball, championship mindset and our philosophy all will aide and elevate our scouting, game prep, individual player development and in game coaching. So excited for their input and opportunity. They are added gems!"

The majority of staff promotions are effective July 1 when new NCAA legislation allows for two additional assistant coaches for on-court instruction in the sports of men's and women's basketball. Sanders and DeRoo will begin in their new roles immediately.

"Zuri Sanders has been shaped and developed by the Lady Raider program and it was a natural hire to keep her on our staff," Gerlich said. "She knows what our players need on-and-off the court and also has an already established presence on social media that she can share our story through to recruits, fans and Lady Raider Nation. I'm thrilled to keep this dynamic young star on our staff.

"The Lady Raider culture is based on passion, purpose and pride and this staff truly exemplifies these values plus are committed to this family. I feel strongly that they are determined and focused on Lady Raider Basketball and winning championships. I am thrilled and grateful for the loyalty and stability of this staff. Lady Raider Basketball is locked and loaded!"

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Gerlich elevates six members of coaching staff

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