Basketball stars don’t just rise to the top by accident—there’s always unwavering support, guidance, and sacrifice behind them. In the case of Aaliyah Chavez, the No. 1 women’s basketball recruit in the country, her family has played a massive role, especially in shaping her into the player and person she is today.
So, who are the people behind the nation’s top high school player?
The Parents Of The Rising Star: Aaliyah Chavez
Aaliyah was born on November 20, 2006, to Sonny and Andrea Chavez. Her father, Sonny, has a rich history with the game of basketball. He played high school basketball and later channeled his passion into coaching and training aspiring athletes.
Sonny established “THE LAB CERTIFIED LLC,” a basketball academy in Lubbock. That’s where he offers group clinics, private training, and walk-in workouts. This facility has become a cornerstone for many young athletes in the community, including Aaliyah herself.
Andrea, Aaliyah’s mother, is the heart of the Chavez family. She is known for her unwavering support and often shares proud moments of her daughters on social media. Andrea’s Instagram is filled with heartfelt posts about Aaliyah and her younger sister, Bel’A, highlighting the close-knit bond they share.
Interestingly, Aaliyah wasn’t always destined for the hardwood. As a child, she explored various activities, but it wasn’t until she was eight years old that she expressed a keen interest in basketball.
She approached her father and asked to be signed up for the sport. Recognizing her enthusiasm, Sonny began training her, laying the foundation for what would become an illustrious basketball journey.
Under the guidance of her parents, Aaliyah’s high school career at Monterey High School has been nothing short of spectacular. She has amassed over 4,796 points, 1,279 rebounds, and 771 assists, leading her team to its first state championship since 1981.
Her accolades include being named the Naismith High School Player of the Year and Gatorade Texas Player of the Year.
How the No. 1 Women’s Basketball Recruit Made Her Career-Defining Decision
The biggest decision of Aaliyah Chavez’s life came down to the wire. After months of visits, the No. 1 women’s basketball recruit in the class of 2025 went to bed Monday night still unsure of her future. When she woke up, the uncertainty remained.
Hours before her public announcement, Chavez still hadn’t locked in her final choice. The options were so evenly matched that she even considered letting fate decide for her.
“There was a point where I was just gonna flip a coin,” Chavez admitted. “Because I love both schools equally.”
Ultimately, the coin landed on Oklahoma.
Chavez never revealed which school was the other finalist, keeping that part of her process private. However, her final six included Oklahoma, LSU, South Carolina, Texas, Texas Tech, and UCLA. In a January entry for SLAM magazine, she narrowed that list to a “top three” of Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas Tech.
Despite her deep ties to her hometown of Monterey, Texas, Chavez felt drawn to Norman, where she believed her style of play and personality would thrive.
For Chavez, the right program needed to offer more than just a winning tradition. She prioritized a close relationship with her future coach and a system that complemented her strengths. After evaluating all her options, Oklahoma checked every box.
KEEP READING: Top 10 Women’s College Basketball Players in 2025
“They play fast, and they like to shoot,” Chavez explained.
“If y’all watch me play, I love to shoot, and I play fast. It just kind of matched how I played.”
For now, Chavez can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing her college decision is made. But come 2025, the real work begins. And if her journey so far is any indication, Oklahoma fans have plenty to be excited about.
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