No. 1 Female Basketball Player in America Commits to Texas Longhorns, Declines Auburn Tigers

No. 1 Female Basketball Player in America Commits to Texas Longhorns, Declines Auburn Tigers

In a monumental development for collegiate women’s basketball, the nation’s No. 1 high school recruit, Aaliyah Chavez, has officially committed to the University of Texas at Austin, choosing the Longhorns over other top contenders, including the Auburn Tigers.

The announcement was made Tuesday morning via Chavez’s social media platforms and confirmed shortly after by the Texas Longhorns athletics department. Chavez’s decision is being hailed as a significant victory for Texas head coach Vic Schaefer, who continues to cement the program’s place among the elite in NCAA women’s basketball.

A Historic Commitment

Aaliyah Chavez, a 6-foot guard from Monterey High School in Lubbock, Texas, has been regarded as a generational talent. Known for her explosive scoring ability, precise court vision, and lockdown defense, Chavez dominated her high school career. She led Monterey to a 5A state title and was recently honored as the Naismith Girls High School Player of the Year and MaxPreps National Player of the Year.

With a game that mirrors professional-caliber finesse, Chavez is widely expected to become a cornerstone of the Longhorns’ future. Her commitment to Texas not only strengthens the program’s already elite 2025 recruiting class but also sends a message nationwide about the Longhorns’ growing dominance in the sport.

“I’m incredibly blessed and excited to announce that I’ll be continuing my basketball journey at the University of Texas,” Chavez said in a statement. “Coach Schaefer and his staff made me feel like family from the beginning, and I believe in the vision they have for this program. Together, we’re going to chase championships and make history.”

The Recruiting Battle

Chavez was courted by nearly every major Division I program, but her final decision reportedly came down to Texas and Auburn. The Auburn Tigers made a strong push, leveraging their SEC platform and recent program resurgence under head coach Johnnie Harris. However, Texas’s rising national profile, elite player development, and proximity to home ultimately proved decisive.

According to recruiting analysts, Texas’s combination of competitive success and long-term vision appealed strongly to Chavez and her family. The Longhorns reached the Elite Eight in 2024 and boast a talented roster primed for a Final Four run in the coming season.

“This is a statement win for Texas,” said ESPN Women’s Basketball Insider Rachel Givens. “Chavez is the kind of player who shifts the balance of power. She’s not just a scorer; she’s a leader, a floor general, and a game-changer.”

Coach Schaefer Responds

Head Coach Vic Schaefer, now in his fifth season leading the Longhorns, praised Chavez’s decision and welcomed her to the Texas family.

“Aaliyah is the definition of a high-impact player,” Schaefer said in a press release. “She brings elite-level scoring, poise under pressure, and a relentless work ethic. But beyond the stats, she’s a high-character young woman who embodies everything we stand for at Texas. We couldn’t be more excited to have her join our program.”

Schaefer has built a formidable reputation as one of the best recruiters in college basketball, and landing the No. 1 recruit in the country is a crowning achievement for his program. With Chavez joining fellow top-50 signees Jordan Lee and Justice Carlton, the Longhorns’ 2025 class ranks among the best in the nation.

What This Means for Auburn

While Auburn fell short in securing Chavez’s commitment, the Tigers remain a program on the rise. Coach Harris has laid a solid foundation, leading Auburn to back-to-back winning seasons and a strong showing in the SEC. The Tigers were viewed as a strong contender due to their recent improvements and coaching stability.

“This is a tough miss for Auburn, but it doesn’t take away from the progress they’ve made,” said recruiting analyst Tamika Woods. “They’re still building something special, and a commitment like Chavez’s just shows how competitive the top of women’s basketball recruiting has become.”

Eyes on the Future

With Chavez now committed to Texas, attention will quickly turn to her senior high school season, where she’ll look to further cement her legacy before heading to Austin. She’s already projected as a future WNBA lottery pick, and some scouts believe she could be one of the best prospects of the decade.

For Texas, the addition of Chavez signals a new era. The Longhorns are no longer just chasing greatness—they’re defining it.

“This program is ready to make history,” Chavez said. “I can’t wait to wear the burnt orange and represent my home state on the biggest stage.”

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Key Player Profile: Aaliyah Chavez

Height: 6’0″

Position: Guard

High School: Monterey High School (Lubbock, TX)

Rankings: No. 1 overall (ESPNW, 247Sports, HoopGurlz)

Notable Awards: Naismith Player of the Year, MaxPreps Texas Player of the Year, McDonald’s All-American