Texas Tech University’s softball team, commonly known as the Lady Raiders, has been making waves in the collegiate softball world for many years. As one of the top NCAA Division I softball teams in the country, the Lady Raiders have built a rich history of success, with numerous conference titles, NCAA tournament appearances, and talented players who have gone on to play professionally.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Texas Tech softball, including its history, notable achievements, and current team makeup.
History of Texas Tech Softball
The Lady Raiders softball program was established in 1982, and since then, it has grown into one of the most successful athletic programs at Texas Tech. The team competes in the Big 12 Conference, one of the most competitive conferences in NCAA softball.
Over the years, Texas Tech softball has had many talented players and coaches who have helped the team achieve success. Some of the notable coaches in the program’s history include Teresa Wilson, who led the Lady Raiders to their first NCAA tournament appearance in 1995, and Shanon Hays, who coached the team from 2006 to 2016 and led them to several conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances.
Achievements of Texas Tech Softball
Texas Tech softball has had many notable achievements over the years, including:
Conference Championships: The Lady Raiders have won two Big 12 Conference regular-season titles (2008, 2017) and one conference tournament championship (2017).
NCAA Tournament Appearances: The team has made it to the NCAA tournament 11 times, most recently in 2018.
All-Americans: Several Lady Raiders players have earned All-American honors, including Erin Crawford, Sandy James, and Emily Bledsoe.
Professional Players: Several former Texas Tech softball players have gone on to play professionally, including pitcher Brittany Talley and infielder Taylor Powell.
Current Team Makeup
The Texas Tech softball team is currently led by head coach Sami Ward, who took over the program in 2016. Under Ward’s leadership, the Lady Raiders have continued to be a competitive force in the Big 12 Conference.
The team’s roster is made up of talented players from all over the country, including standout pitcher Erin Edmoundson and infielder Karli Hamilton, both of whom were named to the 2021 All-Big 12 First Team.
SEO-Friendly Conclusion
In conclusion, Texas Tech softball is a storied program with a rich history of success. With numerous conference championships, NCAA tournament appearances, and talented players, the Lady Raiders are one of the top teams in NCAA Division I softball. With a talented roster and strong leadership from head coach Sami Ward, Texas Tech softball looks poised to continue its winning ways for years to come.
