SPORTS SECTION E
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
RHEMA Collins is flanked by Texas Tech women’s basketball coaching staff, including head coach Krista Gerlich and Jaida Williams.
Jaida Williams: Bahamas feels ‘like a second home’ By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
ANYTIME she gets an opportunity to skip over from her hometown in Miami, Florida, Texas Tech Lady Raiders basketball assistant coach Jaida Williams said she takes advantage of it. "I’ve been coming to The Bahamas my entire life. I was born and raised in Miami, and with my Bahamian ancestry, this has always felt like a second home,” she said. "From a young age, I travelled here often, and over the years I’ve even competed in several basketball tournaments in Nassau. "It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world to me. The beaches are
unmatched, and the food is exceptional. Every visit, I make it a point to enjoy the local cuisine, especially the conch, prepared every way possible.” Williams, now in her second season as an assistant to head coach Krista Gerlich after she served as the head coach of the Texas A&M International University Dustdevils from 2024-2025, is here to get in some rest and relaxation during the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s recruiting showdown period, one of the few times that they get to step away from the game. "It’s been a long, demanding year for us,” Williams said. "We started early last spring preparing for the World University Games in Germany, where
we competed and earned a silver medal. After a short break, we went straight into our season and haven’t slowed down since.” Not only is Williams taking in the scenic view, but she’s also here to get to know the climate in which one of their recruits - Bahamian Rhema Collins - comes from after she made the transition from Florida International University to Texas Tech during the transfer porter. "With the transfer portal opening, we also worked to complete our roster, including signing Bahamian native Rhema Collins, which made this trip even more meaningful,” Williams said. "This is really our first true break in nearly 10 months, so I wanted to
come somewhere special. The Bahamas felt like the perfect place to recharge spending time on the beach, reading, and just resetting before the next season begins.” Collins, a 21-year-old six-foot, 2-inch forward, is coming off a sensational season at FIU where she was a three-time Conference USA Player of the Week, the CUSA Player of the Year, CUSA Newcomer of the Year, a first team All-CUSA selection and a member of the CUSA All-Defensive team. "We’re really excited about adding Rhema to our programme. “I felt coach Gerlich and our staff were the right fit to help elevate her game to the professional level,” Williams said.
"She brings outstanding rebounding, a strong inside-outside presence, and a high level of versatility. That skill set fits seamlessly into our system on both ends of the floor, where we value players who can impact the game in multiple ways.” During the recruiting shutdown, Williams said NCAA rules won’t allow them to work out with their players. So she’s just using the trip here to unwind and enjoy the Bahamian cultural experience. But she admitted that they are looking forward to the day when Collins comes to Texas Tech along with the other recruits they got in the transfer portal, including guards Destinee Hooks from New Mexico and Tahys Da Silva.
"With Rhema, it’s really about refining and sharpening - continuing to build consistency, footwork, and decision-making,” Williams said. "She already has a strong foundation, so now it’s about elevating the details that will help take her game to the next level." While home, Collins will be working out with the Bahamas women's national basketball team, headed by coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin of Ole Miss, as they prepare for the CentroBasket Tournament during the summer. Collins, incidentally, was recruited by McPhee-McCuin to play for Ole Miss, but she left after her first two seasons in college to join FIU last year where she flourished.
HG Christie celebrates New Legend’s victory in Class A at National Family Island Regatta “GET on the pry and give me your weight, fellas.” That call from captain David Knowles echoed across the deck of New Legend as the team pushed through a challenging start to secure a decisive victory in the Class A division at the 70th Annual National Family Island Regatta in Exuma. For HG Christie Ltd, proud sponsor of New Legend, the win represents more than a return to the top, it reflects the determination, teamwork and excellence that define both the sport of Bahamian sailing and the people behind it. After finishing third in last year’s regatta, New Legend’s climb to first place this year marks a powerful comeback on one of the country’s most competitive stages.
The road to victory, however, was far from smooth. In the opening race, New Legend became entangled with another vessel, resulting in damage to the boat’s main support jib stay - an issue that could have ended their regatta. Instead, the crew relied on skill, experience and traditional knowledge to stay in contention. “We got tangled with a boat from Ragged Island, and the main support jib stay broke,” said Emile Knowles, crew member and spokesperson for New Legend. “I was going to have a new one brought in, but I used what I learned from my father growing up and made an old-time sleeve to fix it. That allowed us to keep going.” That quick thinking proved critical, allowing the team to recover and build momentum as the races progressed. New Legend’s strength lies not only in its performance, but in its people. The crew is a dynamic mix
REGATTA - SEE Page E4