Aaliyah Chavez, the nation’s top-ranked shooting guard in the Class of 2025, has announced her commitment to the University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball program. Chavez, a 5-foot-11 standout from Monterey High School in Lubbock, Texas, chose the Gamecocks over other prominent programs, including the University of Tennessee and the University of Alabama.
Chavez’s decision comes after a stellar high school career where she surpassed 4,000 career points, placing her 40th on the all-time girls’ basketball scoring list. Her senior season alone saw her averaging 35.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 3.9 steals per game, underscoring her versatility and dominance on the court. Notably, during the Caprock Classic Tournament in December 2024, she delivered an impressive 124 points over three games, including a 53-point performance in the opening round. citeturn0search0turn0search4
Throughout her recruitment process, Chavez was courted by several top-tier programs. In July 2024, she narrowed her choices to six schools: LSU, Texas, South Carolina, UCLA, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma. Her commitment to South Carolina reflects her desire to join a consistently competitive and high-energy program. In an interview, Chavez emphasized the importance of being in an environment with high energy and a stable coaching staff, stating, “I don’t want a coach that’s low energy… I want them to be there all four years.” citeturn0search2
South Carolina’s women’s basketball program, led by Coach Dawn Staley, has established itself as a powerhouse in recent years, securing national championships in 2017, 2022, and 2024. The Gamecocks’ consistent success and Staley’s reputation for developing elite talent likely played pivotal roles in Chavez’s decision. Chavez herself acknowledged the program’s stature, noting, “They’re always in at least the top four [nationally] so they’re a great program. I want to be at a winning program too.” citeturn0search1
Chavez’s commitment is a significant addition to the Gamecocks’ roster. Her scoring ability, court vision, and leadership are expected to make an immediate impact as South Carolina aims to maintain its dominance in collegiate women’s basketball. Fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate her contributions to the team’s continued success.
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