Former Texas Tech Track and Field Standout Ifeatu Okafor Named NCAA Woman of the Year

A former Texas Tech track and field athlete has received a notable honor.

Former Lady Raider Ifeatu Okafor was officially named as the NCAA Woman of the Year on Sunday night at an awards banquet in downtown Indianapolis.

Okafor was selected from a field of nine finalists representing NCAA Division I, II, and III for her achievements in athletics, academics, leadership, and community service. More than 450 student-athletes were originally nominated.

She is the first NCAA Woman of the Year from the Big 12 Conference in the 23 years of the award’s history.

“It’s very special,” said Okafor. “Texas Tech has just played such a huge role in my life. My experiences at Texas Tech have developed my character and transformed me into a better person. I’m truly grateful.”

Okafor finished her Tech career this spring as a standout thrower on the Lady Raider track and field team. She currently holds five of the top-10 marks in school history in the event.

She is currently pursuing her master’s degree at UT-Southwestern with plans to become a physician’s assistant following graduation. Okafor graduated from Texas Tech in August 2012 with a degree in Exercise Sports Sciences and a second degree in May 2013 in Human Science.