Topeka High alum KiKi Smith is taking her talents to the Big 12, announcing her transfer to Texas Tech women's basketball this Friday. The standout guard, with one year of eligibility remaining, is set to join fellow Topekan NiJaree Canady in Lubbock, creating an exciting homegrown connection for the Lady Raiders.

Smith arrives in West Texas fresh off a strong season at Purdue, where she started 21 games and averaged 10.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per contest. This move marks her third Division I stop, showcasing the experience and resilience she brings to a competitive conference.

Her basketball journey is one of consistent excellence. Before her time at Purdue and a stint at Arkansas, Smith dominated at Hutchinson Community College, earning NJCAA Player of the Year honors and leading her team to a national championship. Her high school career at Topeka High was equally impressive, featuring four consecutive Class 6A All-State selections and a state runner-up finish in 2022 alongside Canady.

Adding to her accolades, Smith was recently announced as a member of the 2026 North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame class. Her proven scoring ability and veteran presence could provide a significant boost for Texas Tech as they look to make noise in one of the nation's toughest basketball conferences.