Tennessee Lady Vols Sign Miami Transfer Forward Lazaria Spearman

The Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team has signed Miami transfer forward Lazaria Spearman, a 6-foot-4 rising junior, head coach Kim Caldwell announced on Tuesday. Spearman, who visited Tennessee on April 20-21, officially signed with the program on April 25.

Spearman, a native of Dacula, Georgia, was a top 30 recruit and the sixth-ranked forward in ESPN's top 100 recruits for the class of 2022. She led Miami in rebounding this past season, averaging 6.0 rebounds per game to go along with 6.3 points on 50% shooting. Spearman recorded four double-doubles in the 2023-24 season, including a career-high 15 rebounds against Mississippi State.

As a freshman, Spearman was part of the Miami team that made a run to the NCAA Elite Eight in 2023. She appeared in 60 games over two seasons with the Hurricanes, including 10 starts, averaging 5.8 points and 5.0 rebounds while recording 26 blocks and 33 steals.

"We are thrilled to welcome Lazaria to the Lady Vol family," Caldwell said. "Her height, athleticism, and ability to play in transition will be a valuable addition to our frontcourt. Lazaria really clicked with our team during her visit and is enjoyable to be around."

Spearman is the second addition from the transfer portal for Caldwell, who took over as head coach of the Lady Vols in March. Tennessee also signed Syracuse transfer Alyssa Latham earlier this month.

The Lady Vols were in need of frontcourt depth after the departure of junior forward Karoline Striplin, who entered the transfer portal, and the graduations of Tamari Key and Rickea Jackson. Spearman's size and shot-blocking ability should help fill that void alongside rising sophomore Jillian Hollingshead.

Why this matters: The addition of Spearman bolsters Tennessee's frontcourt and adds an experienced player who has competed at a high level in the ACC.

Key Takeaways

• Tennessee Lady Vols signed Miami transfer forward Lazaria Spearman, a 6'4" rising junior.
• Spearman was a top 30 recruit, led Miami in rebounding, and had 4 double-doubles last season.
• Spearman was part of Miami's 2023 NCAA Elite Eight team, averaging 5.8 points and 5.0 rebounds.
• Spearman's size, athleticism, and shot-blocking ability will bolster Tennessee's frontcourt depth.
• Spearman is the second transfer portal addition for new Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell.