Texas Tech Lady Raider Basketball head coach Candi Whitaker announced Thursday the addition of Louisville transfer Erin DeGrate, who will become eligible at the beginning of the 2017-18 season.
DeGrate, a 6-4 center who played her high school basketball at La Vega High School, in Waco, Texas, where she scored more than 2,100 points, played in 28 games during her freshman season for Louisville, notching a pair of double-figure scoring games. Coming out of high school, she was a four-star recruit according to ESPNW and Prospects Nation tabbed her as the No. 36 prospect in the country.
“Erin is an exceptionally talented post player that we are thrilled to have join the Lady Raider Family,” Whitaker said. “She brings an inside presence that will be an immediate impact when she becomes eligible. We are excited about the opportunity to focus on Erin’s development and transition to Texas Tech this upcoming year. She is an important piece to the resurgence of Lady Raider Basketball.”
The Lady Raiders have been no stranger to transfers during Whitaker’s tenure, as high-profile transfers Recee’ Caldwell, Larryn Brooks and Jada Terry will become eligible this season, in addition to Virginia Tech transfer Brielle Blaire, who was a key piece off the bench for Tech last season.
DeGrate scored 2,166 points and hauled in 1,395 rebounds over the course of her high school career. Her senior year she averaged 20.2 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game, on her way to being named the Waco Tribune Herald’s 2015 Super Centex Player of the Year as well as the Co-MVP of District 17-4A. Her junior season featured a 35-0 campaign culminating in a state championship. She was also invited to the 2014 USA 17-U National Team Trials.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT ERIN DEGRATE
“Left handed low-post insider with imposing size brings soft touch to interior game; space-eater in the key, mobile in uptempo; shot blocking presence, interior finisher.” – Girls Basketball Report
(Courtesy: Texas Tech Sports Information)
