Addressing Rotarians and attendees, Texas Tech University Women’s Basketball Head Coach Krista Gerlich identified the key components of building a successful program: culture and compassion.
“If you want people on your team to give you their all, then you’d better get to their hearts,” Gerlich said. “You’d better figure out how they can trust you, and not only how they can help you, but how you can help them.”
The Rotary Club of Littlefield hosted its annual Professional Luncheon on April 22, 2026.
Notably, Texas Tech Women’s Basketball Head Coach Krista Gerlich served as the event keynote speaker.
Celebrating the efforts of Rotarians and honoring the Administration Assistant of the Year, the luncheon cultivates collective community labor and triumphs.
This year, Alee McNeese, the 2025 Administration Assistant of the Year recipient, presented the 2026 award to Ann Ray.
Since 1992, Ray has remained dedicated to building relationships with her colleagues and students at Littlefield High School. Described by many as determined, reliable, kind and patient, Ray connects with students beyond her responsibilities as the secretary.
“She has a special gift for building meaningful connections with both staff and students, (and) creating an environment where others will feel supported and valued,” McNeese said in her speech about Ray. “She’s especially passionate about connecting with students in specialized programs; those who simply need extra care or encouragement. Her kindness, patience and genuine concern have made a lasting impact on countless young lives.”
Surrounded by friends and family, Ray expressed her gratitude for the award and honored the students who have resonated with her throughout the years.
“Y’all can’t imagine how much this means to me,” Ray said in her acceptance speech. “I love what I do, I love my kids. Some of them, we have literally dragged across the ( graduation) stage, but those are some of our biggest success stories.”
Reflecting on the meaning of community, Ray said this sentiment encompasses her entire livelihood; something she never wants to change.
“(Community) is everything— I was born and raised here,” Ray said, “It’s a perfect place. Everybody in this room has intersected my life at some point. We’ve had sadness and happiness … I will forever cherish the years that I’ve spent.”
Echoing Ray’s sentiments, Gerlich acknowledged her West Texas roots and expressed how her upbringing influenced her coaching during her keynote speech.
“I always came back to West Texas, I’ve never left the state of Texas, but I’ve definitely been in every area of Texas, and there’s no place like home,” Gerlich said. “We all know it’s because of the people. It’s taught me so much in my personal life to be able to carry it over to my professional life— and that’s exactly how I run my program.”
Despite earning her dream position, Gerlich entered the program amidst a scandal involving the former women’s basketball coach.
Per USA Today reports, the previous coach fostered a culture of ‘fear, anxiety and depression,’ a stark contrast from the culture Gerlich produces today.
“It’s been six years to build this program back up and to get the right people in the locker room, on the staff, in the building that support and believe in the vision,” Gerlich said. “That’s where relationships are so very important. Those (players) understood that we loved them as people first and that we wanted to be able to use their talents to do something special and bigger than themselves.”
Leading her team to its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2013 this past season, Gerlich remains determined to sustain this momentum throughout her time at Texas Tech.
Moreover, she hopes that everyone will apply this same attitude to their goals despite setbacks and fear.
“Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams,” Gerlich said. “You’re the only one that’s dreaming it, no matter what it is, and nobody can tell you what your dreams are. So believe in them, pursue them, work super hard and stand in the fire to get to them.”
“Don’t let anybody tell you can’t do it, especially because you’re from West Texas,” Gerlich added. “ Big dreams happen in West Texas.”