Raiders of the host’s arc

It will be a ‘daunting task’ in what could be a ‘hostile environment’, but the coach of the USA women’s basketball team says her players will not be overawed by their opening day showdown with Germany at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games.

Krista Gerlich, seasoned leader of the Lady Raiders of Texas Tech University, believes their experiences in the big arenas of the US college circuit will help the team through any early jitters against the hosts in Essen on 18 July. 

“Playing Germany in the first pool game is a challenge as it will be our first international experience, even without realising what the fan base and atmosphere could present,” Gerlich tells Rhine-Ruhr 2025. 

“There’s no doubt our players will have first game nerves. We will have to rely on the experience of playing in the Big 12 Conference and facing multiple hostile environments when we go on the road. Luckily, our conference has prepared us for this daunting task, and it should make for an incredible opening game.”

Class of 2015

For a country synonymous with basketball supremacy, USA have surprisingly not won the women’s gold medal at the FISU World University Games since 2015. But if Gerlich and her charges seek inspiration to end that relatively barren run, they need only look at the USA team who swept all before them in Gwangju, South Korea, a decade ago.

Of that star-studded squad of players, three have since enjoyed long careers in the WNBA: Courtney Williams, Tina Charles, and Aerial Powers.        

“It’s a great opportunity for our team to chase gold again for the USA,” Gerlich says. “No matter if we were chasing a repeat of gold or a return to gold, we understand the assignment and the responsibility. We want nothing more than to win the gold medal at the World University Games.”

Gerlich highlights several talents in the Lady Raiders ranks who – like the class of 2015 – will be eager to put themselves in the WNBA shop window at the iconic Grugahalle in Essen.

“We have a senior laden team with several players playing key roles for us,” Gerlich says. “Silentianna ‘Snudda’ Collins and Jalynn Bristow can score at all three levels – and they will need to for us to be successful. Jada Malone will provide an inside presence, and our ‘guest’ player, Deyona Gaston, will give us a big presence on the boards as well. 

“In defence, Denae Fritz and Sidney Love will provide the spark on the perimeter along with being three point threats on offence.” 

Missing Maupin

One glimmer of hope for Germany, Poland and Chinese Taipei in group B is the absence of Bailey Maupin, the senior guard and leading scorer for the Lady Raiders who is recovering from injury. Maupin is still travelling to Germany as a member of the USA delegation staff.

“I’m excited to come to such a prestigious event and cannot wait to see what memories we will make together,” Maupin tells Rhine-Ruhr 2025. “Learning about different cultures and meeting new people will be something we won’t take for granted. We hope to make the USA proud and bring home the gold medal.”

For the USA Head of delegation, Dan Guerrero, the choice of the Lady Raiders to lead the women’s basketball push in Germany provides a “unique opportunity to unite athleticism, education, and international camaraderie”.

“We are thrilled that Texas Tech University, led by its exceptional Coach Krista Gerlich, will represent UniUSA,” Guerrero said. “Texas Tech’s tradition of excellence, both on and off the court, makes them a perfect ambassador for our nation at this prestigious international event.”

While keen to make a mark for USA, Gerlich also knows what a gold medal can do for the profile and prospects of her team when the US collegiate season resumes later this year.   

“It’s a tremendous opportunity to have this competition time and experience throughout the summer,” she says. “To play such meaningful games in a highly competitive environment will give our team a huge advantage going into our season in November. 

“The international exposure for the Texas Tech brand is invaluable and we look forward to representing and promoting the ‘double T’ in the World University Games.”

Don’t miss this chance to watch USA face Germany and Poland in Essen, and Chinese Taipei in Hagen, between 18 and 20 July. Book your seats here.