Avant, Simmons sign with Lady Vols

Tennessee officially added a women’s basketball backcourt for next season as point guard Lauren Avant and off guard Meighan Simmons signed letters of intent Thursday with the Lady Vols.

Avant, a two-time Division II-A Miss Basketball honoree from Memphis Lausanne Collegiate School, said via text message that she signed at school. The 5-foot-9 Avant committed to the Lady Vols as a ninth grader.

Simmons, from Steele High in Cibolo, Texas, signed at school along with several other athletes. She was a late addition to UT’s class. A scholarship became available when guard Cait McMahan decided to stop playing because of persistent knee problems.

“This is a great opportunity,’’ Simmons said. “I’m so excited. I can’t wait to go to college.”

The 5-9 Simmons averaged 25 points per game last season in helping Steele reach the Class 4A state semifinals for the second consecutive season. She sounded eager to play for UT coach Pat Summitt.

“She’s so straightforward,’’ Simmons said. “And she know what she wants. I’m going to give her what she wants, whether she likes it or not.”

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Comments » 6

huntined#565710 writes:

Man we needed some good news today,,

mahabrando writes:

in response to huntined#565710:

Man we needed some good news today,,

You got that right!

reachkim00 writes:

Yeah baby! That's great news!

GO LADY VOLS!!!!!

Hacksaw57 writes:

GREAT NEWS for the Lady Vols and Big Orange fans on a "bad news" day!

rocky_topper writes:

this news ALMOST makes me want to climb off of this ledge which i've been on all day long! long day indeed!

great news though.

CTOWNICON writes:

They chose the best program in the country! Welcome ladies, glad to have you! This Simmons girl sounds intriguing, 25 points per game is impressive. Bring that same firepower to the Pat and the program.

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