Jewel Spear’s journey toward a WNBA career is nearing a major milestone. After two impactful seasons with the Tennessee Lady Vols, the former Wake Forest guard stands on the threshold of her dream—earning a shot in the WNBA. If successful, Spear will make history as the first player from her hometown of The Colony, Texas, to reach the league, a goal she has been working toward since her teenage years.
Spear, known for her sharp shooting and growing defensive presence, has become a well-rounded player thanks to her own determination and the strong support system around her. That support includes current and former Lady Vols, such as Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings and ESPN analyst Andraya Carter, both of whom have been instrumental in guiding her toward a professional career.
During the NCAA tournament, Spear reflected on how far she’s come and what it would mean to make the league. “This goal started in high school when I began to realize what I was capable of,” she told Knox News. “The thought of being the first from my high school and my town to make it to the WNBA—it’s surreal and honestly iconic.”
As the WNBA Draft approaches, Spear is being considered a likely third-round selection. If she’s not drafted, there’s still a strong possibility that she’ll receive a training camp invitation—an opportunity to prove she belongs on a professional roster.
Spear’s evolution as a player didn’t happen overnight. It was shaped significantly by her willingness to grow, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. When Kim Caldwell was hired as Tennessee’s head coach in April 2024, one of her early conversations with Spear focused on goals. Spear didn’t ask for more scoring opportunities or flashy plays—she wanted to improve her defense. And Caldwell saw that commitment pay off.
“That’s not a selfish goal,” Caldwell said during the NCAA tournament. “That’s a team-first mindset. She told me she wanted to defend better to make us a stronger team, and she followed through.”
Spear’s stats back up her growth. Standing 5-foot-10, she averaged 12.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game during the season. She also connected on 77 three-pointers at nearly 38% accuracy—an indicator of her reliability as a shooter. But her value to teams at the next level goes beyond the numbers.
ESPN’s Andraya Carter, who played for the Lady Vols from 2012–16, explained that Spear’s experience under Caldwell’s system will help her make a smoother transition into the WNBA. The high-energy style of play, especially in full-court situations, can translate well if adapted into a more structured half-court defense at the pro level.
“She needs to take that frenetic energy she played with and turn it into disciplined half-court defense,” Carter said on a media call ahead of the WNBA Draft. “If she does that, it could be huge for her chances of sticking with a team. We’ve had conversations about trusting herself and staying confident, and those are big factors when transitioning from college to the pros.”
Spear agrees that she’s matured not just as a player but as a leader. Although she describes it as a “small thing,” developing leadership skills has helped her become more self-assured on the court. Her time at Tennessee, where she had to blend in with a deep and talented roster, also taught her the importance of playing effectively within a team full of stars.
She knows that in the WNBA, she won’t be the focal point right away. Rookies are expected to contribute in subtle but important ways—playing defense, making smart passes, maintaining composure. “In the pros, you’re surrounded by elite players. They’re not expecting you to take over; they want to see how you can contribute in small but meaningful ways,” Spear said.
That mindset has been shaped in part by the wisdom shared by Tamika Catchings and Andraya Carter, two prominent former Lady Vols who have mentored Spear throughout her journey. Catchings, in particular, has built a personal bond with her, offering more than just professional advice. She checks in regularly, providing emotional support and encouragement.
“With Tamika, it’s on a deeper level. She really feels like a big sister,” Spear shared. “She’s always there—texting me, checking on me. I don’t take that for granted. I’m so thankful for her presence in my life.”
That mentorship has been crucial as Spear prepares for the biggest step of her career. The WNBA is notoriously competitive, and making a roster is no small feat. But with the foundation she’s built at Tennessee, and the guidance she’s received from respected figures in the women’s basketball community, Spear is more equipped than ever to take on the challenge.
Her story is one of perseverance, humility, and belief—not just in herself, but in the power of community. Whether or not she hears her name called during the WNBA Draft, Jewel Spear has already accomplished something significant: she’s transformed herself into a player ready for the next level, both on and off the court.
And if she does earn a roster spot in the league, it’ll be more than a personal victory—it’ll be a first for her hometown, a moment of pride for The Colony, and another powerful chapter in the legacy of the Lady Vols program.
