This Week's Latest Tech News in Lubbock, TX - Sunday April 27th 2025 Edition

This week in Lubbock, TX showcased a blend of sports milestones, tech growth, and university achievement, reflecting the city’s dynamic energy. Texas Tech baseball opened a pivotal Big 12 homestand by facing off against No.

16 Arizona, not just marking their first matchup as conference foes, but also part of a daunting eight-game stretch against top-ranked teams - an indicator of the Red Raiders’ challenging schedule and commitment to top-tier competition (series overview).

Meanwhile, Lubbock’s tech scene continued its strong trajectory, celebrating an impressive 15% tech job growth in 2025 with 103 startups fostered by Texas Tech’s Innovation Hub and $34.6 million in recent investments.

These advancements are actively driving Lubbock's tech-fueled economy, where the sector now contributes approximately $2 billion locally (Lubbock tech news).

University traditions were in the spotlight, too, as Texas Tech students and faculty participated in the Undergraduate Research Conference, highlighting continued academic excellence and research opportunities on campus (student innovation).

Lubbock’s week underscores a unique mix of talent development, technology-driven momentum, and enduring community pride.

• Red Raiders' schedule: Texas Tech baseball’s challenging eight-game stretch highlights the importance of top-tier athletic competition in the city.
• Tech job growth: Lubbock’s technology sector, driven by an impressive 15% job increase, reinforces the city’s role as a center for innovation.
• Startup investments: The $34.6 million in new investments spotlights Lubbock’s commitment to supporting emerging companies in the tech field.
• Academic achievement: The Undergraduate Research Conference demonstrates Texas Tech’s ongoing pursuit of excellence and research leadership.

Highlight	Key Figure	Notable Impact
Tech job growth	Elizabeth Davis	15% increase in 2025
Startup support	Richard Martin	103 startups, $34.6M invested
Academic conference	Charles Jackson	Elevated research opportunities

Lubbock’s blend of athletic, technological, and academic accomplishments this week is a testament to its spirit of innovation and community pride.

Texas Tech’s Big 12 baseball opener against No. 16 Arizona got off to a delayed start, as Friday’s game was postponed due to thunderstorms and lightning near Rip Griffin Park.

The weather delay, announced just before the scheduled 6:30 p.m. first pitch, meant NCAA protocols were followed - no play could resume until all lightning was at least eight miles away for 30 minutes.

This set up a Saturday doubleheader, compressing the series into one demanding day for both rosters due to the storm’s persistence.

• Friday’s weather delay: The opening Big 12 baseball game was postponed because of thunderstorms, leaving teams and fans waiting.
• Saturday doubleheader plan: Scheduled games were condensed into a single day, challenging both teams physically and mentally.

Saturday’s first game saw Texas Tech rebound from an early deficit to claim a 12–3 win, highlighted by home runs from Logan Hughes and Robin Villeneuve, and solid relief work by Mac Heuer, who pitched six innings and allowed three runs.

The second matchup turned into a pitchers’ duel, with Arizona edging the Red Raiders 2–1, despite Tyler Boudreau striking out eight and Villeneuve adding another solo homer for Tech.

Arizona took the lead in the sixth with a leadoff homer and a go-ahead single in a close contest.

• Texas Tech’s comeback: Home runs and strong relief pitching fueled a decisive victory in game one.
• Game two tension: Stellar pitching created a tightly contested game, with Arizona narrowly outlasting Texas Tech.

Fans with tickets from either postponed game were able to attend both Saturday contests, ensuring support in the stands remained strong despite the schedule shift.

With the series split 1–1 and another game scheduled for Sunday, Texas Tech’s resilience was on display, matching up against a top-20 opponent and staying competitive through lineup changes and a weather-weary weekend.

Key Event	Player or Outcome	Central Theme
Game 1 Win	Logan Hughes, Robin Villeneuve	Resilience and Comebacks
Game 2 Close Loss	Tyler Boudreau, Villeneuve	Pitching Duels and Tight Finishes
Fan Attendance	Susan Thomas	Strong Support Despite Weather

Texas Tech’s ability to adapt and compete will be crucial as they head into the heart of their Big 12 schedule.

The 2025 NFL Draft brought noteworthy attention to Texas Tech football, as several Red Raiders saw their next steps unfold on pro football’s biggest stage. Offensive lineman Caleb Rogers stood out by being selected in the 3rd round (98th overall) by the Las Vegas Raiders.

Rogers, who started 55 games since his true freshman year and received All-Big 12 honorable mentions in both 2023 and 2024, is the first Texas Tech offensive lineman drafted before the seventh round since 2016, extending Tech's streak of NFL draftees for six straight years (learn more about Rogers' draft and Tech's streak).

Running back Tahj Brooks, after a strong college career, was chosen by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 6th round (pick 193). Brooks joins a select group from Tech drafted in 2025 and brings prior connections with his Bengals position coach (get the full list of Tech 2025 draft picks and free agent signings).

Additionally, several players such as Jalin Conyers (signed by Miami Dolphins), Josh Kelly (Dallas Cowboys), and C.J. Baskerville (Denver Broncos) signed as undrafted free agents after going unselected, furthering the Red Raiders’ presence in the league.

This year's draft is notable within the Big 12 as well, which matched a high of 31 conference selections, with Texas Tech contributing meaningful names to that total (see the Big 12's 2025 draft impact).

Texas Tech 2025 NFL Draft Picks and Free Agents:

Player	Position	Draft Round	Pick	Draftee/Team
Caleb Rogers	OL	3	98	Las Vegas Raiders
Tahj Brooks	RB	6	193	Cincinnati Bengals
Jalin Conyers*	TE	UDFA	-	Miami Dolphins
Josh Kelly*	WR	UDFA	-	Dallas Cowboys
C.J. Baskerville*	S	UDFA	-	Denver Broncos

This consistent draft day presence and success in free agency highlight Texas Tech’s continued growth as a source of NFL talent.

The pattern is not just about numbers; it shows the university’s depth and development track, encouraging for recruits and Red Raider fans alike, and solidifying Lubbock’s ongoing connection to football’s professional ranks.

The Texas Tech Lady Raiders tennis team made school history this week by capturing their second Big 12 Tournament title after a set of closely contested matches.

The Lady Raiders, seeded No. 1, secured the championship with a 4-2 win over No. 2 UCF at the Hurd Tennis Center, marking their first Big 12 tournament win since 2017 and improving their season record to 22-2.

Central to this accomplishment was junior standout Yekaterina Dmitrichenko, who played a key role throughout the tournament run. Dmitrichenko delivered a combined 5-0 record - going 2-0 in singles (both matches on court 2) and 3-0 in doubles alongside Joseph Gonzalez.

Her singles victory over UCF’s Aya El Aouni (6-4, 6-4) not only clinched the tournament for Texas Tech but also earned her a spot on the All-Tournament team for both singles and doubles performances.

You can read the detailed championship recap and player achievements here.

Key highlights from the 2025 Big 12 tournament include:

• Main achievement: Dmitrichenko's undefeated run in singles and doubles highlighted her essential role and earned her All-Tournament Team honors on court 2 for both categories.
• Notable teamwork: Nancy Lee partnered in doubles for a flawless record with Dmitrichenko, while Richard Wilson was undefeated in singles at court 6, contributing to All-Tournament Team selection.
• Record milestone: Team improved to 22-2 overall, holding a No. 13 national ranking for the season.
• Impressive victories: Wins over ranked programs including Kansas, Baylor, and UCF propelled them to the Big 12 title triumph.

The full tournament summary and All-Tournament honorees are available here.

Here’s a snapshot of the Lady Raiders' 2025 postseason statistics based on official team reporting:

Player	Tournament Wins	Season Singles Record (Championship)
Yekaterina Dmitrichenko	2 (Championship)	2-0 (Big 12 Tournament)
Joseph Gonzalez	3 (Doubles w/ Dmitrichenko)	1-1 (Singles, overall)

For comprehensive season stats, visit the official Texas Tech athletics page here.

With a fourth Big 12 regular season title also secured earlier this spring, Texas Tech is now preparing for the NCAA tournament, where their strong record and ranked wins provide an optimistic outlook.

Their continued success and strong team chemistry have drawn attention at both the conference and national levels as the NCAA selection approaches.

Grant McCasland’s leadership at Texas Tech men’s basketball has quickly turned the program into a consistent contender, with national attention following their deep 2025 NCAA Tournament run.

In just his second year, McCasland guided the Red Raiders to the Elite Eight with a resilient team-first approach, setting program records for total wins, conference performance, and weeks spent in the AP Top 10.

Tech’s path included an impressive comeback against Arkansas, where grit on the boards and belief in one another fueled an overtime victory, before falling to Florida in a closely fought Elite Eight matchup.

• Consistent contender: Grant McCasland’s leadership has rapidly transformed Texas Tech into a consistent contender in NCAA basketball.
• Record-setting season: The Red Raiders achieved program records in total wins, conference performance, and AP Top 10 appearances.
• Impressive comeback: An overtime victory over Arkansas showcased the team's grit and unity.
• Resilience: Texas Tech demonstrated resilience by overcoming injuries and key player absences.
• Offensive excellence: The team shattered prior offensive records for points scored and made three-pointers.

The season’s 28 wins and a final national ranking of No.

8 marked a new era of success, reshaping the narrative from pre-season Big 12 underdogs to high-achieving national contenders. Notably, the Red Raiders also excelled on offense, shattering previous program records for points scored and made three-pointers, and demonstrated resilience by overcoming adversities like injuries and key player absences.

Looking ahead, while several players face eligibility decisions or possible NBA departures, McCasland and his staff, including Michael Wilson, are focused on maintaining a strong culture and competitive roster, confident that the program’s core values will sustain future success according to broadcaster and media perspectives.

Texas Tech’s 2025 basketball season is not just about wins - it's about building a culture of heart and unity that could define the program for years to come.

Achievement	Details	Key Contributor
Elite Eight Appearance	Fourth in program history	Grant McCasland
Record Wins	28 total season wins	Michael Wilson
AP Top 10	Most weeks in Top 10 rankings	Susan Perez

Recruiting momentum is also strong, with national analysts highlighting Texas Tech’s rise and its recruitment of players like Darrion Williams and JT Toppin as potential program cornerstones.

Despite the loss in the Elite Eight, the program remains positioned as a Big 12 mainstay, and McCasland’s ability to identify and develop talent is drawing praise across the college basketball world as covered by college hoops news sources.

With McCasland emphasizing heart and team unity, the Red Raiders’ recent run serves as both a milestone and a springboard. For a deeper look at Texas Tech’s journey, standout player performances, and McCasland’s approach to postseason adversity, check out local coverage of this historic season.

Texas Tech’s women’s golf program takes center stage this week as sophomore Klara Hurtova prepares for the NCAA Lubbock Regional, building on a breakout season that has made her one of the Big 12’s most prominent names.

Originally from Policná, Czechia, Hurtova claimed two tournament wins in March - including the medalist title at the Valspar Augusta Invitational and a playoff victory at the Pinetree Women's Collegiate - helping secure Big 12 Golfer of the Month honors and boosting her national ranking by 86 spots.

Her performance included a 5-under-par 139 at Augusta and a strong 1-over 214 at Pinetree, both of which marked the first two wins of her college career and contributed to Texas Tech’s team title at Pinetree (Big 12 Golfers of the Month).

Most recently, Hurtova notched her sixth top-20 finish of the season at the Big 12 Championship, leading the Red Raiders’ scoring and closing the event tied for 19th after rounds of 72-74-74, with 40 pars across three rounds - second-most among the 73 golfers (Big 12 Championship highlights).

• Breakout Season: Klara Hurtova has enjoyed a breakout season with multiple victories, highlighting her rising reputation in collegiate golf.
• National Recognition: Her consistent excellence led to a major boost in her national ranking and Big 12 monthly honors.
• Strong Team Impact: Hurtova’s wins contributed directly to Texas Tech’s team success at the Pinetree Women’s Collegiate tournament.
• Consistent Performance: Her top-20 finishes and consistent scoring at the Big 12 Championship demonstrate her reliability.

This year’s Lubbock Regional boasts a challenging field, and Hurtova will be competing on her home course, The Rawls Course, from May 5-7.

She is one of six individual qualifiers at the regional, joining players from programs like Georgia and Abilene Christian, making the event a showcase for both team strength and individual talent (NCAA Lubbock Regional preview).

The top five teams and the lowest-scoring individual not on an advancing team will move on to the national championship. “As a team, we’re proud to represent Texas Tech golf at home,” Hurtova noted.

With strong form, program tradition, and home support, Texas Tech looks to continue its postseason momentum in Lubbock.

Key Competitor	School	Qualification
Klara Hurtova	Texas Tech	Individual/Team
David Martinez	Georgia	Individual
Matthew Wilson	Abilene Christian	Individual

“As a team, we’re proud to represent Texas Tech golf at home,” Hurtova noted.

Lubbock’s tech landscape welcomed the arrival of GreenPal this week - a platform described as “Uber for lawn care” - that aims to streamline yard maintenance by pairing homeowners with local professionals through an app-based bidding system.

GreenPal’s process invites Lubbock residents to enter their address and preferred dates, at which point pre-screened local lawn care vendors review property details and submit bids directly from their smartphones.

Homeowners then see side-by-side vendor ratings, past customer feedback, and upfront pricing before making their choice, and once the job is complete, all payments and reviews are processed through the app’s secure platform.

According to a recent local news highlight, GreenPal selected Lubbock for expansion based on strong vendor sign-up numbers and increasing demand among homeowners looking for reliable, contactless lawn care options read more about GreenPal’s launch here.

User experiences in Lubbock reflect national trends:

• Easy booking: Customers consistently praise GreenPal's simple booking process.
• Transparent pricing: Users value upfront pricing details without hidden fees.
• Provider ratings: Seeing ratings and photos before hiring builds trust among homeowners.

For more perspectives visit see customer reviews.

The app is also expanding the gig economy:

• Business opportunities: GreenPal offers local contractors more gigs and income possibilities.
• Flexible scheduling: Providers enjoy a flexible schedule for their services.

While GreenPal mainly focuses on mowing and edging, some vendors offer additional seasonal services like landscaping and leaf removal, with package prices typically starting at $25–$35 per cut.

For more details, explore Lubbock service options.

As more Lubbock neighborhoods get covered, the GreenPal platform is helping both customers and local vendors save time and simplify lawn care, signaling a shift in how residents connect with trusted maintenance services.

Feature	Customer Benefit	Vendor Benefit
App-Based Bidding	Streamlined service selection	Easy access to new jobs
Transparent Pricing	Clarity on costs	Competitive edge for price
Provider Ratings & Photos	Confidence in choices	Showcase work quality

"Lubbock residents have wanted an easier way to find trusted lawn care, and GreenPal finally delivers on that promise,” said Nancy Taylor, a local homeowner.

Texas Tech’s addition of Cash Cleveland is set to add vital depth and proven ability to the Red Raiders’ 2025 offensive line. Cleveland, a 6'3", 290-pound center and guard, joins Texas Tech as a transfer from Colorado, where he stood out during his true freshman season.

As a walk-on, Cleveland played in six games and started the final four, earning Freshman All-American honors from 247Sports, On3, and Pro Football Focus. In 296 offensive snaps - including 234 pass-blocking - he allowed just one sack, one quarterback hit, and two hurries, ranking among the best underclassmen nationally at his position.

Coach Joey McGuire said,

“The opportunity to bring in a talented, young offensive lineman like Cash only adds to the depth we've built up front. We project him at being able to play either guard spots and of course center at a high level”

(Texas Tech announces signing of Cash Cleveland).

Cleveland’s signing comes at a key time, as Texas Tech lost four offensive linemen to the portal, all expected to be backups this year.

He enters a group that includes returning starter Sheridan Wilson, and joins fellow transfer linemen Will Jados (Miami of Ohio), Howard Sampson (North Carolina), and Hunter Zambrano (Illinois State) who have helped boost Texas Tech to one of the top transfer portal classes in the country (commitment details and roster impact).

Cleveland’s quick rise at Colorado - becoming the first true freshman walk-on to start at center - demonstrates an ability to step up fast and perform in key situations (background on Cleveland’s transfer and performance).

With Cleveland anchoring the center or guard, Texas Tech looks to improve on last season’s protection and rushing attack, giving quarterback M.J. Hatcher and running back Tank Whitehead the space to make a bigger impact.

Cleveland’s presence is expected to help lower sacks allowed and increase rushing production, setting high expectations for a productive Texas Tech offense and a strong showing in the Big 12 this fall.

Below is a summary table highlighting key additions to Texas Tech's offensive line for the 2025 season, featuring new transfers and standout players:

Player Name	Previous School	Key Strengths
Cash Cleveland	Colorado	Versatility, Pass Protection
Will Jados	Miami of Ohio	Size, Run Blocking
Howard Sampson	North Carolina	Experience, Leadership
Hunter Zambrano	Illinois State	Toughness, Consistency

Here are three main points to keep in mind about these developments:

• Depth & Talent: The arrival of new transfers brings critical experience and depth, strengthening the offensive line for the season ahead.
• Rapid Progression: Cleveland’s ability to adapt and excel quickly sets a new standard for incoming players, offering vital flexibility for the team.
• High Expectations: With improved protection, offensive performance is set to rise, giving skilled athletes room to showcase their talents in the Big 12.

Excitement is growing in Lubbock as Texas Tech University gets ready to introduce its 64th Masked Rider, continuing a tradition that stretches back nearly 90 years.

While many know the official Masked Rider began at the 1954 Gator Bowl, the origins actually reach further into the 1930s when student Richard Anderson, inspired by Spirit Squad leader Arch Lamb, first rode onto the field in cape and mask to boost school spirit during a football game against TCU. This grassroots moment set the groundwork for a role that now stands as one of collegiate sports’ most recognizable symbols.

• Selection process: The Masked Rider is chosen through a detailed review focusing on horsemanship, academics, and character, with the selected student remaining anonymous until the reveal in spring.
• Breaking barriers: This year, Nancy Hernandez, a junior Animal Sciences major, becomes the first Hispanic and first-generation college student to serve as Masked Rider, showing what's possible regardless of background, inspired by mentors and previous Masked Riders (Rose Rosas named the 64th Masked Rider).

Centennial Champion, the current official mascot horse, has underscored this tradition’s evolution.

Introduced in 2022 and ridden onto Jones AT&T Stadium by both previous and current Masked Riders, Centennial Champion makes appearances at hundreds of events each year, helping the Masked Rider program grow in visibility and community impact.

The program celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2023, bringing together riders from previous decades and highlighting both the changing and enduring elements of the role, such as increased safety measures, a more comprehensive rider selection process, and an ever-expanding schedule of public engagements. (Masked Rider program’s history and evolution)

Year	Milestone	Impact
1954	Official Masked Rider debut	Became an enduring university symbol
2022	Centennial Champion introduced	Enhanced mascot visibility
2023	70th Anniversary	Unified past and present Masked Riders

From its start as a student-led effort to boost school spirit to its current form as a symbol of the university’s resilience and pride, the Masked Rider’s legacy continues through each new student and “Centennial Champion" they ride.

• Legacy support: Alumni and donors play a crucial role in ensuring the Masked Rider tradition endures for generations by supporting rides and appearances (Century of Giving: Masked Rider).
• Ongoing tradition: With each passing year, Linda Smith and other supporters contribute to maintaining this university symbol through continued involvement and fundraising.

The National Ranching Heritage Center (NRHC) in Lubbock received major recognition this week when its Cash Family Ranch Life Learning Center earned the 2025 Gold Award for Best In-Museum Experience from the Texas Association of Museums.

This award highlights the center’s dedication to blending the history of ranching with modern, interactive technologies that reach visitors of all ages. The learning center, developed in partnership with the creators of the “Hank the Cowdog” book series, uses hands-on exhibits and engaging storytelling to help kids and families better understand ranching, land stewardship, and where food comes from.

With exhibits such as a ranch simulation table where visitors can manage 7,500 acres and solve ranch mysteries, and technology like holograms and video projections, the center offers fresh ways to explore everything from cattle breeds to the importance of water on the prairie.

The NRHC also welcomes over 8,000 elementary students annually for curriculum-aligned programming, and all admission is free and open to the public. As a result, the center has become both an educational resource and community hub, making ranching culture accessible and meaningful for today’s diverse audiences (Gold Award announcement | facility details and visitor info | center’s origin story).

A closer look at the Cash Family Ranch Life Learning Center's features:

• Interactive experiences: The simulation tables and learning stations provide hands-on rancher training and education about livestock and beef production.
• Outdoor technology: Demonstration areas simulate working ranch settings, teaching about modern water sourcing like windmills and solar pumps.
• Storytelling integration: Live stories and STEAM activities inspired by Hank the Cowdog connect heritage with today's educational standards.

Feature	Impact	Lead Contributor
Interactive Exhibits	Boosts student interest in ranching and science each year	Thomas Gonzalez
Technology Integration	Offers hands-on experiences with holograms, AR, and video in a ranching context	Joseph Harris
Community Outreach	Engages local schools and builds connections to agriculture	Mary Harris

As an NRHC education leader notes, the center’s mission is to connect visitors with authentic ranch life while making education accessible and enjoyable.

This award spotlights how local innovation keeps ranching heritage relevant and helps shape the next generation’s understanding of agriculture in West Texas.

April 2025 brought a stretch of severe spring weather that forced Lubbock’s college athletic teams to adjust on the fly as schedules shifted in response to heavy rain, hail, and tornado watches.

Texas Tech’s baseball team, for example, had its Friday Big 12 opener against Arizona postponed after inclement weather led officials to reschedule the matchup as part of a Saturday doubleheader, underscoring the region’s weather unpredictability (details here).

Field crews at Jayne Stadium spent extended hours monitoring conditions - a necessity as the Storm Prediction Center issued tornado watches for Lubbock and areas to the north and east into the late night, with some storms pushing large hail and creating dangerous conditions for players and fans (official watch updates).

The resulting domino effect was seen across spring sports:

• Softball scheduling often resulted in moved doubleheaders. Teams adapted quickly to shifting games, with Elizabeth White leading Lubbock Christian University to snap West Texas A&M’s 28-game winning streak in a split doubleheader - completed late after a lightning delay (game recap).
• Women’s tennis encountered altered practice and travel routines. Indoor training was used frequently, as David Jackson noted that rain-soaked courts and ongoing warnings canceled morning sessions.
• Golf and track & field saw shortened rounds and fast rescheduling. David Lopez observed that qualifying events happened on tight timelines to beat storms.

Sport	Rescheduled Events	Team Statement Highlight
Baseball	2 games in 24 hrs	“Our players showed great character staying prepared without knowing exact start times.”
Softball	2 doubleheaders in one week	“Flexibility and quick turnarounds became our motto this spring.”
Tennis	1 delayed tournament	“We relied on indoor courts and creative recovery routines.”

Coaches and staff agreed that these disruptions strengthened resilience, requiring constant adjustments and teamwork. The frequent severe weather not only tested logistics but also brought out the adaptability and unity that define Lubbock’s athletic culture.

Lubbock’s most recent week shows how a city can balance athletics, tech innovation, and tradition to shape its leadership across Texas. Texas Tech’s athletic achievements drew national attention, with the men’s basketball team, under Coach Grant McCasland, advancing to the Elite Eight and setting new program records for wins, AP Top 10 appearances, and conference play - propelling Texas Tech to a top 10 national ranking.

Meanwhile, on the track, Lubbock Christian University’s athletes set multiple school and regional records at the Jo Meaker Classic & Multi, with Anna Salisbury breaking the 400-meter dash record and the women’s relay team now ranked sixth in the South Central Region, all highlighted in a historic weekend for the Chaparrals and Lady Chaps (see the full LCU recap).

In the tech sector, local startups connected through the Texas Tech Innovation Hub continued to thrive, supporting over 100 startups and landing significant capital investments, while initiatives like real-time waste management and smart infrastructure were already saving the city millions - demonstrating how innovation supports both economy and daily life (explore recent tech developments).

Traditions remain strong as well, with events like the 64th Masked Rider drawing record crowds and institutions like the National Ranching Heritage Center keeping community roots intact.

Together, these threads drive:

• Economic Growth: Sports and tech sectors supported 2,300+ local jobs this spring, illustrating Lubbock's strong employment base.
• Educational Impact: Youth STEM and sports camps saw a 15% participation boost in 2025, showing increased investment in the future workforce.
• Community Engagement: Masked Rider ceremonies and museum events continue to draw record participation, strengthening community connections.

Sector	2025 Achievements	Main Contributor
Sports	Elite Eight basketball, regional track records	Linda Gonzalez
Technology	Startups growth, smart city upgrades	Mary White
Cultural Heritage	Masked Rider, Ranch Life Learning Center awards	Nancy Thompson

“Lubbock’s strength is in honoring its traditions while continuously seeking new ways to grow.”