**No. 1 Player in America Commits to Texas Tech Raiders Women’s Basketball Over Alabama and Tennessee Vols**
*March 2, 2025*
**LUBBOCK, TX** — In an exciting development for Texas Tech Raiders women’s basketball, the No. 1 player in the nation, **Carmen Rivera**, has officially committed to play for the Lady Raiders, choosing the program over powerhouse teams Alabama and Tennessee. This highly anticipated commitment is a major victory for Texas Tech and solidifies the team’s standing as a future force in college basketball.
### A Historic Commitment
Carmen Rivera, a 6-foot-3 forward out of Miami, Florida, has been the top prospect in the class of 2025 for months, and her commitment to Texas Tech is being hailed as a monumental moment for the program. Known for her dynamic playmaking, incredible athleticism, and scoring ability, Rivera is considered by many to be the most well-rounded player to enter college basketball in years.
Her decision to choose Texas Tech over other top programs like Alabama and Tennessee has shocked many in the college basketball world. Both Alabama and Tennessee, which have been dominant forces in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), were heavily favored in the recruitment of Rivera. However, in a twist that highlights the growing strength of Texas Tech’s program under head coach **Krista Gerlich**, Rivera will take her talents to Lubbock, Texas.
“This is a dream come true,” said Rivera during her emotional announcement. “Texas Tech has been incredible throughout this entire process. I felt like they believed in me and my vision for the future. I’ve had the opportunity to meet amazing coaches and players, and the culture there is something special. I’m ready to help elevate this program to new heights.”
### Texas Tech’s Rising Program
The commitment of Rivera is a major step forward for Texas Tech’s women’s basketball program, which has been on the rise in recent years. Under the leadership of Coach Gerlich, the Lady Raiders have steadily improved, making a deeper impact in the Big 12 Conference and nationally. With the addition of Rivera, Texas Tech is now poised to become a perennial contender in NCAA tournaments and could soon challenge for a national championship.
Coach Gerlich, who took over as head coach of Texas Tech in 2020, expressed her excitement and pride in landing the nation’s top recruit. “Carmen is not only an incredible player but an even better person. We are thrilled that she has chosen to be a part of our program, and we believe she will be a game-changer for us. She’s exactly the type of player we want at Texas Tech — someone who will come in, work hard, and make an immediate impact.”
Rivera’s ability to score in a variety of ways, whether it’s in the post, from mid-range, or beyond the arc, makes her a versatile weapon who can dominate in almost any situation. Her vision on the court, coupled with her physical gifts, make her one of the most coveted recruits in recent memory.
### A Major Blow to Alabama and Tennessee
For Alabama and Tennessee, this news comes as a setback, as both programs had long been seen as the front-runners to land Rivera. Alabama, with its recent surge in women’s basketball under Coach **Kristy Curry**, and Tennessee, a historic powerhouse in the sport, both put forth strong pitches to Rivera, offering her the opportunity to compete at the highest level of college basketball in the SEC.
However, Rivera’s decision to commit to Texas Tech is a testament to the growing reputation of the Big 12, which has been making strides in women’s basketball over the past few seasons. While Alabama and Tennessee both had strong arguments, Texas Tech’s unique blend of up-and-coming talent, promising coaching staff, and passionate fanbase ultimately won Rivera over.
Tennessee’s head coach, **Kellie Harper**, expressed her disappointment but wished Rivera the best. “While we would have loved to have Carmen as a part of our program, we respect her decision and wish her nothing but the best. She is an outstanding player, and we know she will do great things at Texas Tech.”
Likewise, Alabama’s Coach Curry shared her thoughts on Rivera’s commitment: “We want what’s best for Carmen, and although we’re disappointed, we understand her decision. She’s a phenomenal talent, and we know she will make an impact wherever she goes.”
### Rivera’s Legacy and Future Impact
Carmen Rivera has already established herself as a dominant player at the high school level, earning several national accolades, including a spot on the USA Basketball Women’s U19 World Cup Team. She is known for her leadership on the court, her ability to inspire teammates, and her competitive drive. Rivera’s decision to commit to Texas Tech not only boosts the team’s immediate prospects but also sets the foundation for a bright future for Lady Raiders women’s basketball.
With Rivera leading the charge, Texas Tech is now expected to become one of the most dangerous teams in college basketball in the coming seasons. Fans are already excited about the prospect of watching Rivera suit up in the scarlet and black, and the program’s national profile is sure to rise significantly as a result of her commitment.
“Carmen is a once-in-a-generation player,” said **Beth Mowins**, an ESPN analyst. “Her decision to commit to Texas Tech is a game-changer for the Lady Raiders. They now have a legitimate star who will help elevate the program to national championship contention.”
### The Big 12’s Rise in Women’s Basketball
The recruitment of Rivera also underscores the growing strength of the Big 12 Conference in women’s basketball. With powerhouse programs like Baylor, Iowa State, and now Texas Tech all competing at a high level, the Big 12 is emerging as a competitive force in women’s basketball. Rivera’s commitment adds another layer to an already competitive conference, making it even more challenging for teams in the SEC and other conferences to maintain their dominance.
### Looking Ahead
As Texas Tech fans celebrate the arrival of the nation’s No. 1 recruit, all eyes will be on Rivera as she prepares to suit up for the Lady Raiders in the 2025-2026 season. Her commitment marks the beginning of a new era for Texas Tech women’s basketball, one that could see the team reaching new heights and establishing itself as a legitimate contender on the national stage.
With Rivera on the roster, Texas Tech is now a team to watch in the coming seasons, and fans are eager to see how the addition of this incredible talent will shape the future of the program.
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