Tobias’ Top Tier Lady Red Raiders

In my three years at Texas Tech, I was very fortunate to cover all the sports teams on campus for a variety of places such as The Daily Toreador, KTXT 88.1 The Raider, and Red Raider Sports. What I couldn’t figure out was why the attendance and support for a lady raider sports were so low. These ladies work their asses off and give everything they have, night in and night out. Like RC Maxfield and I say, Texas Tech has the best athletic program in the state, and a big reason for that is our female sports. Here are my five favorite female Red Raiders and why.

Kirsten Davis (Texas Tech Soccer)

Tech fans call her KD for a reason meaning she gets buckets. In 2019 she put the world on notice with her record-breaking season. She is first in Texas Tech history with six game-winning goals in a single season. Second in career game-winning goals with 11, one of two players in program history to have four points in an NCAA Tournament game. What I love about Davis the most is she kills opposing teams with a smile, and every time she shoots it, you think it’s going in. Also, in 2019 she was a First-Team All-American, All-Midwest, Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, and First Team All-Big 12. Foirtnaelty for Tech fans, she was only a Junior last year, and we will get to see her again in the fall. Watch out for KD and this years soccer team they will be one of the best teams on campus, I expect them to win the Big 12 and make a very deep tournament run.

Chrislyn Carr (Texas Tech Women’s Basketball)

If you haven’t seen Chrislyn Carr play yet, I strongly advise you get to the United Supermarkets Arena ASAP in the fall. Carr has a flash about her game that gets the fans out of their seats. Maybe it’s from her killer crossover, her ability to score or her no dimes. There is not a single boring moment when Carr is on the floor, and she seems to get better every game. As a freshman, she won the Big 12 Freshman of the Year award, an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention, and was a 5-time freshman of the week. This past season Carr was the only player in the Big 12 to average 13 PPG and 5 APG and chipped in three double-digit assist games which, also lead the conference. Carr’s ability to create her own shot is unmatched, and she will be a big part of helping this program get turned around. 

Heaven Burton (Texas Tech Softball)

Is there anything Heaven Burton cannot do? The answer is no. The Outfielder is arguably the most fascinating player on campus with her versatility. In 2019 she was 1st in stolen bases, attempts, at-bats; 2nd in runs, hits; 3rd in batting average, triples; 4th in sacrifice bunts; 5th in total bases and putouts. Every time Burton steps up to bat something good happens, and on defense, it’s an out if it comes her way. Looking at the big picture from all athletes on campus, Burton is the most consistent. The Redshirt Senior produces at a high level every game, and if she struggles, I guarantee she will bounce back. Unfourtanelty we didn’t get to see Burton play a full-season this year due to COVID-19. However, in the 20-21 season, expect her to another big step forward as a leader and as a big cog for their future success on the field.

Lexi Gordon (Texas Tech Women’s Basketball)

There is a lot left to be desired for Gordon as we only got the chance to watch her play in 23 games as a Red Raider due to COVID-19. The former 5-star recruit came to Lubbock and made an immediate impact as she averaged 13 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2 APG while shooting 36.5 percent from three. In 19-20, she was among an elite list of five Big 12 players to average 12+ points, 6+ rebounds, and 2+ assists per game. From day one, she bought into the program and has always been the biggest cheerleader for her teammates even when she couldn’t play. At times when her team was struggling, she would be the outspoken leader to calm the team down. Her energy is contagious, and her teammates playing well alongside her. This Lady Raider squad is young, but they were maturing in front of our eyes weekly. Next year I believe everything will come together, and they will make the tournament for the first time since 2013.

   Brooke Kanas (Texas Tech Volleyball)

In 2018 Kanas burst on the scene as a freshman and showed Tech fans what she brings to the table. She was one of four freshmen to receive First or Second team honors. Kanas is a big-time athlete and has displayed this on many occasions with her thunderous kills. Last week the star-studded junior was named on the All-Big 12 Preseason team. Kanas like, Kirsten Davis always has a smile on her face in-game. I love her team spirit and the way she competes. Kanas has had so much success since she came to the 806, but I expect her accolades to only increase going forward. When her eligibility is up I have no doubt she will put her name amongst the best volleyball players to ever play at Tech.