Jewel Spear’s selection to participate in the 2025 Lilly Women’s College All-Star Game is a testament to her outstanding collegiate basketball career and her significant contributions to the University of Tennessee’s Lady Volunteers. This honor underscores her exceptional skills, dedication, and the impact she has made on the court throughout her five-year journey in college basketball.University of Tennessee Athletics
Spear’s basketball journey began at Wake Forest University, where she played for three seasons before transferring to the University of Tennessee. At Wake Forest, she quickly established herself as a formidable guard, known for her sharp shooting and defensive prowess. Her ability to consistently deliver high-scoring performances made her a standout player in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).University of Tennessee Athletics
Upon transferring to Tennessee, Spear continued to elevate her game, seamlessly integrating into the Lady Vols’ roster. In her two seasons with Tennessee, she maintained impressive statistics, averaging 12.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Her shooting accuracy was notable, with a 40% field goal percentage, 38% from beyond the arc, and an 85% free-throw percentage. These numbers not only highlight her scoring ability but also her efficiency and reliability as a player.University of Tennessee Athletics+1ABC57+1
One of Spear’s remarkable achievements during her tenure at Tennessee was surpassing the 2,000-point mark in her collegiate career. This milestone is a reflection of her consistent performance and scoring ability over the years. Notably, she achieved this feat with a series of exceptional games, including consecutive matches where she made six, six, and five three-pointers against Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and LSU, respectively. Such performances not only contributed to her personal accolades but also played a crucial role in the team’s successes during those seasons.University of Tennessee Athletics
Spear’s proficiency from the three-point line has been a significant asset to the Lady Vols. Leading the team with 50 three-pointers in the season, she ranked second in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) with an average of 2.63 treys per game. Her 38% shooting accuracy from long distance placed her eighth in the conference, further emphasizing her role as a key offensive player for Tennessee.Sports Business Journal+2University of Tennessee Athletics+2ABC57+2
The Lilly Women’s College All-Star Game serves as a platform to showcase the nation’s top senior collegiate basketball players who are on the cusp of transitioning to professional careers. Scheduled for April 5, 2025, in Tampa, the game features 20 standout seniors and is broadcast live on ESPN2. The event, which returned after a nearly 20-year hiatus in 2024, has quickly reestablished itself as a premier showcase for emerging talent in women’s basketball.SBNation.com+5Womens College All-Star Game+5Womens College All-Star Game+5University of Tennessee Athletics
In addition to the All-Star Game, the inaugural Lilly Women’s College All-Star Combine was introduced in 2025. This combine provides prospective professional athletes with the opportunity to test, train, and compete in front of scouts ahead of the WNBA Draft. Supported by Eli Lilly and Company, the combine aims to offer a comprehensive evaluation platform, including measurements, strength and conditioning assessments, interviews, and on-court drills. The initiative reflects a commitment to supporting athletes’ transitions to professional careers and addressing the need for structured scouting opportunities in women’s basketball.Womens College All-Star Game+1SBNation.com+1SBNation.com+1Womens College All-Star Game+1
Spear’s inclusion in both the All-Star Game and the combine highlights her readiness to advance to the professional level. Her consistent performance, leadership qualities, and work ethic have not only earned her individual accolades but have also contributed significantly to her teams’ successes. As she prepares to showcase her talents on this prominent stage, there is considerable anticipation regarding her potential impact in the professional arena.
Reflecting on Spear’s journey, her development as a player is evident. From her early days at Wake Forest, where she demonstrated raw talent and scoring ability, to her refined and strategic play at Tennessee, she has shown remarkable growth. Her ability to adapt to different team dynamics, coaching styles, and competitive environments speaks to her versatility and resilience as an athlete.University of Tennessee Athletics
Moreover, Spear’s leadership extends beyond her statistical contributions. Her experience and maturity have made her a mentor to younger teammates, exemplifying professionalism and dedication. Her approach to the game, characterized by meticulous preparation and a relentless pursuit of excellence, sets a standard within the team and serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes.
The significance of the Lilly Women’s College All-Star Game extends beyond individual recognition. It represents a broader movement towards elevating women’s collegiate basketball and providing equitable opportunities for female athletes. The partnership with Eli Lilly and Company, focusing on women’s health initiatives such as breast cancer awareness, underscores the event’s commitment to addressing issues pertinent to women’s well-being. Athletes participating in the combine and the game don jerseys featuring the number ’99,’ symbolizing the 99% five-year survival rate when breast cancer is detected early. This integration of health awareness with sports highlights the multifaceted role athletes can play in societal issues.Womens College All-Star Game
As Spear prepares for the All-Star Game and the subsequent steps toward a professional career, the basketball community watches with keen interest. Her journey reflects the evolving landscape of women’s basketball, where talent, opportunity, and support systems are aligning to foster the growth of the sport. The All-Star Game serves not only as a showcase of individual talent but also as a celebration of the collective progress in women’s collegiate basketball.