Virginia Tech has secured two commitments,
**Scouting Report on Kate Sears by Brandon Clay, 247Sports Director of Scouting for Women’s Basketball:**
“Kate Sears brings a versatility to the backcourt that will give Hokie coach Megan Duffy valuable options as she enters her second season. Sears is a fierce competitor who could effectively play either guard position in the ACC. As the league becomes increasingly competitive, she may transition to an off-ball role long-term to enhance their shooting threat from beyond the arc. In high school, Sears has taken on a variety of responsibilities to help her team secure victories. However, once she arrives in Blacksburg, she won’t need to do as much, allowing her to be even more efficient on the court.”
and Kate Sears, who are featured in the inaugural 247Sports women’s basketball rankings.
This 2025 recruiting class represents head coach Megan Duffy’s first complete high school recruiting cycle at Virginia Tech after moving from Marquette to Blacksburg. Duffy has quickly established herself on the recruiting front, attracting top talent like Jenkins and Sears. With both players ranked in the top 75, this class serves as a solid foundation for Duffy’s goal of building a championship-caliber team in Blacksburg.
**Scouting Report on Amani Jenkins by Brandon Clay, 247Sports Director of Scouting for Women’s Basketball:**
“Amani Jenkins has had an impressive year, including a commitment to Marquette before Megan Duffy took the head coaching role at Virginia Tech. Jenkins will be following Duffy to Blacksburg. Analyzing her game, her effectiveness around the rim stands out. She embraces contact in the paint and finishes strong despite being bumped. At the collegiate level, expect Jenkins to either display shooting range from the perimeter or excel in Pick and Roll situations—both of which could elevate her performance significantly. Jenkins is a proven winner, both with her school team and during club play. Her effort and intensity are exactly what successful teams need.”
“I chose Virginia Tech because it felt right when I visited,” Sears told 247Sports. “I always wanted to go to a school that not many people from my town attended, but also one where I could win and be part of a passionate basketball community. Even though the staff is new, I know the other coaches have a track record of success. I believe it won’t be long before we’re back in the Final Four, which was really important to me.”
“Many of the schools I considered, like Kansas, Purdue, and Michigan, were far away. In the end, it came down to distance and the people. I didn’t want to be too far from my family, but I also wanted to be around great individuals. I developed a strong relationship with Coach Duffy, and I’m confident the rest of the staff will help me excel both on and off the court.”
“Coach Duffy recruited me throughout the entire process while she was at Marquette. Now that she’s at Virginia Tech, I see her as a winner. She’s proven herself at Marquette, and I know she’ll achieve success here too. The outstanding resources and the enthusiastic fan base influenced my decision. They have everything necessary to win, and I’m confident she’ll get us back on track.”
“They see me as both a point guard and a shooting guard,” Sears said. “I’m versatile and can play either position, which is important to me. I’ve mostly played on the ball, but I know I can shoot and play off the ball as well. They also utilize a lot of ball screens and encourage guards to drive and play freely rather than stick to a rigid offense.”
“I’m ready for the coaches to push me to reach my full potential on and off the court,” she added. “I’m committed to working hard and becoming the best player I can be, which I hope will lead to victories. I want to win the conference and make a significant tournament run.”
**Scouting Report on Kate Sears by Brandon Clay, 247Sports Director of Scouting for Women’s Basketball:**
“Kate Sears brings a versatility to the backcourt that will give Hokie coach Megan Duffy valuable options as she enters her second season. Sears is a fierce competitor who could effectively play either guard position in the ACC. As the league becomes increasingly competitive, she may transition to an off-ball role long-term to enhance their shooting threat from beyond the arc. In high school, Sears has taken on a variety of responsibilities to help her team secure victories. However, once she arrives in Blacksburg, she won’t need to do as much, allowing her to be even more efficient on the court.”
