May 13, 2015
Vanderbilt head coach Melanie Balcomb announced on Wednesday that Minta Spears is joining the Commodore program.
Spears, who previously played at Texas Tech, has been accepted into graduate school at Vanderbilt, and will have two years of eligibility remaining. Under NCAA rules regarding graduate students, she will be eligible to play this coming season for the Commodores.
“I can’t begin to express how excited we are to add Minta Spears to our roster,” said Balcomb. “Minta fills an immediate need at the guard position, and her experience and success in the Big 12 will be a huge asset to our program.”
Spears played in 62 games — including making 51 starts — over the past two seasons at Texas Tech, where she averaged 7.4 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. Spears was an Academic All-Big 12 First Team honoree during her time at Texas Tech and was a Parade All-American during her prep career at Bullard (Texas) High.
“Minta is the consummate student-athlete,” said Balcomb. “Her accomplishments speak for themselves. She excels in every area of her life. Vanderbilt is getting a proven winner and leader on and off the court, and she will be a valued voice and leader on our team.”
Spears saw action in 31 games last season for the Red Raiders, including making 21 starts. She averaged 6.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. She has compiled 82 career 3-pointers, and shot 35 percent from 3-point range last season.
Spears was one of only two players to start all 30 games for Texas Tech in 2013-14. She reached double figures in 12 games, including scoring a career-high 25 points against Arizona State.
Spears suffered a torn ACL in her freshman campaign at Texas Tech and was sidelined the rest of the season after seeing action in one game.
During her prep career at Bullard High, Spears set four prominent school records — 2,879 points, 375 three-pointers, 776 assists and 475 rebounds. She was a four-time District MVP and three-time All-State Selection. As a senior, she averaged 33.7 points per game and was a PARADE Magazine All-American.
Spears also competed in cross country and track, and was a 2009 state qualifier in cross country and qualified for the track regionals in five events (1600m, 3200m, triple jump, long jump, mile relay), along with being an Academic All-State Track Selection.