Aaliyah Chavez, ESPN’s top women’s basketball player in the class of 2025, boasts a decorated resume.
The McDonald's All-American led Monterey High to its first state title since 1981 this year, breaking multiple school records on the way, like the most points scored in a single game with 57.
Entering high school, the Lubbock native had the chance to join top athletic academies across the country but instead chose to stay home, playing for the Lady Plainsmen under Hall of Fame coach Jill Schneider, a former U.S. Olympic co-captain.
"Thank you so much for elevating your team and carrying us with you on this ride, and into the national limelight," Shneider said. "She put herself on the map, she put Monterey on the map with her."
"Everybody now knows where Lubbock, Texas is, that pays attention to girls basketball. I have no doubt that Aaliyah will make it to the next level and have the same impact that she has had at this level.”
Considering Texas Tech was one of her top six schools, it’s safe to say some of her friends and family in attendance were hoping she would stay home for college, too. Instead, Chavez will be taking her talents to Oklahoma to play in the SEC as a Sooner.
“I’m ready to give my all to make this my home, and bring a national championship to … The City of Norman!” Chavez said.
Chavez gave multiple reasons for her pick, citing the Sooners’ fast play-style, an opportunity to compete in the SEC, and the players she connected with during her recruitment visits.
Her first collegiate offer came at just 14 years old, from the familiar hometown candidate Texas Tech.
“There’s nothing really bad about them. They have great coaches and they play great,” Chavez said. “But I think I had to do what's best for me and my family, and that's what I did.”
She admitted that she wasn’t sure of her selection until just hours before her official signing. “There was a point where I was just going to flip a coin,” Chavez said. “You know, because I love both schools equally. But I definitely think this morning, I finally decided on one school.”
Her mention of “both” schools was unprompted—just moments earlier, she flashed a “horns down” hand sign in photos with friends and family. She was asked if that hinted at her second option.
“I’m not saying all that,” Chavez said with a laugh. “[Oklahoma] and Texas moved to the SEC at the same time—so obviously rivals.”
“I’m a Sooner now, so that rivalry’s gonna come with me.”