RRC Scholar Athlete: Toddrick Gotcher
January 09, 2015 | Academics
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Jan. 9, 2015
By Trenten Hilburn, Texas Tech Athletics Communications
There are times when an injury can seem like you are at the bottom of the world and other times, it is a blessing in disguise.
For Texas Tech junior Toddrick Gotcher, the latter seems to be the case both on the court and off the court.
"My mother always told me that student comes first in student-athlete," Gotcher said. "It has always been just as important to do my best in the classroom as I do on the court."
As a freshman during the 2011-12 season, Gotcher was coming down for a rebound and a teammate landed on his foot. It was just the eighth game of the season in Fort Worth against TCU. He had friends and family on hand, as Gotcher grew up in nearby Garland.
"It is just one of those things that happen," added Gotcher. "I did not want to let down my teammates."
He sat out the rest of the season, earning a medical redshirt. Then came the first surgery and then a second surgery.
After averaging 7.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 29.9 minutes per game as a freshman, Gotcher saw his play limited as a redshirt freshman. He played in all 31 games, but averaged just 2.2 points and 1.4 rebounds.
When Tubby Smith arrived, the slate was wiped clean.
The now sophomore earned a spot back in the starting rotation 11 games into the season. He averaged 7.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists in all 32 games.
That summer, Gotcher graduated with a exercise and sports science degree in just three years. Along the way he was a two-time first team Academic All-Big 12 selection, has been named to the Big 12 Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll for seven straight semesters and been named to the Dean's List on multiple occasions.
"Anytime you have the opportunity to play for someone like coach (Tubby) Smith, it is an honor," said Gotcher. "He is a hall of fame coach and you can learn something from him every day. I am excited to have the opportunity to have the extra year under his direction."
Fast forward to this past fall and Gotcher has moved into the Sixth Man role. It has been something that he actually cherishes.
"When you see a guy like Jaye Crockett have the kind of success he did as a Sixth Man, it makes you think I can do that. I want to do that," said Gotcher. "In the end, I want to do what is best for our team. We have the pieces in place to be successful and I am excited about that."
In 15 games so far this season, Gotcher is averaging 7.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists.
In May, he will graduate with a master's degree in Sports Management and plans on adding a second master's degree as a senior.
"I have been blessed to have these opportunities both in school and on the court," said Gotcher. "I just want to take full advantage of it every day."
Gotcher was no stranger to success when he arrived in Lubbock, he was a two-time Class 5A All-State selection and a three-time All-District pick after twice leading Garland Lakeview Centennial to the state title game. He also earned Academic All-District honors and graduated in the Top 15 percent of his class.
"I just want people to know that every day I gave it my best effort," added Gotcher. "Whether in practice, a game, study hall or class, I didn't hold back. What has been great about Texas Tech is the support system we have in place from Kirby Hocutt to the Marsha Sharp Academic Learning Center to Katie Chapman and the tutors. They have helped me so much along the way."
On the court, he sees the Red Raiders getting better and better as well.
"Each season we have gotten better than the previous," he said. "With the help of Coach Smith and his staff and strength and conditioning staff, we have put ourselves in a position to be successful."
So the next time you see Toddrick on campus or at a game, know that he is thankful every day to be a Red Raider -- a Red Raider with a blessing in disguise.
