Built My Legacy: Zuri Sanders

Zuri Sanders’ career is a true representation of the Red Raider culture and her loyalty to the program. In her four years on campus, she went through various trials and tribulations, such as tearing her ACL as a sophomore. Sanders also played under three head coaches and as a junior, her HC Candy Whitaker was fired mid-season.

All of her trials were not in vain. Sanders had a very solid career as a Red Raider. She is the first Lady Raider to average 10+ rebounds in a season since 2005-06 and ranks No. 4 in school history. She totaled 670 rebounds and 523 points in her career. Sanders Set new career-highs in her senior season, tallying 20 rebounds against Southern in 2018 becoming the first Lady Raider in 28 years and the ninth player in school history to record 20+ rebounds in a game.

How has your time in Spain been?

My time in Spain has been great! Playing overseas can be difficult at times, but God blessed me with the best situation possible. I’m playing for a great organization, a nice coaching staff, and very dependable and loving teammates who have made my rookie season one that I will always remember

What are you doing with all this free time?

Staying in touch with my family, working out from my flat, and watching a lot of Netflix.

Do you think it’s fair how Rudy Gobert is being treated?

“No person should be treated as less of a human being, regardless of who they are and what they have done, but I do feel like he should have been more cautious about his surroundings and should have acted in a better way than he did.”

What was your reaction when the news broke that your season would be over?

“It was heartbreaking because I wanted to finish out my rookie season but health is the most important priority right now, and it’s imperative to be considerate of others, as well as staying on top of my health, and making sure that I am taking every precaution possible.”

Talk about the job that coach Stallings is doing with Techs women’s program?

“I speak with Coach M frequently,  because we have established a strong relationship and I always congratulate her and thank her for rebuilding the program back to its glory. Texas Tech women’s basketball is historic, and history will continue to be written about that program under her coaching, her coaching staff, and the players that she continues to bring in. In just her second season with the Lady Raiders, Texas Tech women’s basketball has broken numerous records and came out with a winning season for the first time in quite a while. They were guaranteed a postseason this year.”

Talk about Brittney brewer and what she means to The women’s games?

“Brittany means a lot to the women’s program at Tech. She is a leader who leads on the court, in the classroom, and in life. She guides others with her faith and uses her platform to inspire those around her as well as those who look up to her. I’m blessed and grateful to have had her as a teammate because she pushed me to be the best version of myself. My heart breaks for her because her collegiate career ended the way that it did, but I know that God will continue to bless her, and the next chapter of her life will be one that I am more than excited to read.”

What is it like In Spain while the entire nation is being shutdown?

“It’s just like everywhere else. Places are shut down, and medical professionals are advising people to stay in their homes, take precautions, and remain cautious of their surroundings.”

Talk about two fo your former teammates in Japreece Dean and Brittany Brewer being drafted to the WNBA?

“Brittany and Japreece have always been such hard workers and strong competitors. I was very blessed to have them as teammates in college because they helped me to grow as a player and as a person. So watching their dreams come true to get drafted in the WNBA makes me so happy for them because I visibly saw how hard they pushed themselves to get to where they are today.”

How important is it to use your platform with all the social issues going on today?

“It’s extremely important. With the platform that we have as athletes, it’s critical for us to speak up, especially about the social injustices that we face day in and day out as people of color. And for those who are not of color and have platforms, they need to use their voices as well because silence condones everything that we are fighting against.”

Where will you play next season?

“Next season, I will be playing for CD Tirso again in Santander, Spain.”