5-Star Prospect and Nation’s No. 1 Recruit Aaliyah Chavez Shocks the Basketball World by Committing to Lady Vols, Cancels Visits to South Carolina and Oklahoma
In a stunning turn of events, Aaliyah Chavez, the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect in the 2025 class and a highly coveted five-star recruit, has announced her commitment to the Tennessee Lady Vols.
Chavez’s decision sent shockwaves through the women’s college basketball world, especially as she canceled her scheduled visits to South Carolina and Oklahoma—two programs widely considered frontrunners in her recruitment.
Chavez, a dynamic and electrifying guard from Lubbock, Texas, had been at the center of a fierce recruiting battle among top-tier programs. Her elite scoring ability, deep shooting range, and unmatched court vision made her one of the most sought-after high school players in recent memory. Many believed she was leaning toward South Carolina, given the Gamecocks’ dominance in recent years under head coach Dawn Staley. However, in a move that caught many by surprise, Chavez chose to take her talents to Knoxville and join Kellie Harper’s Lady Vols.
Tennessee, a program rich in tradition and history, has been working tirelessly to return to the elite status it enjoyed under the legendary Pat Summitt. Landing a player of Chavez’s caliber is a massive statement and could mark a turning point in the Lady Vols’ resurgence. Chavez’s presence will provide Tennessee with an immediate game-changer, capable of leading the team back into national championship contention.
Reports indicate that Chavez was drawn to Tennessee’s vision for her role in the program, as well as the passionate fan base that has long supported Lady Vols basketball. Harper and her coaching staff made an aggressive push in her recruitment, emphasizing player development and a system that would allow Chavez to thrive. Ultimately, their efforts paid off, as Chavez spurned other national powerhouses to don the orange and white.
For South Carolina, missing out on Chavez is a rare recruiting defeat for Dawn Staley, who has built a dynasty in Columbia. The Gamecocks had positioned themselves as one of Chavez’s top choices, and her canceled visit indicates they were expecting to remain in the race. Meanwhile, Oklahoma had also been a strong contender but will now have to look elsewhere to fill their 2025 recruiting class.
Chavez’s decision not only boosts Tennessee’s immediate future but also sends a strong message to other elite recruits that the Lady Vols are back in the mix as a national powerhouse. If this commitment is a sign of things to come, Tennessee could once again find itself at the top of women’s college basketball.
