Texas A&M University’s women’s basketball program, under the leadership of head coach Joni Taylor, has made significant strides in bolstering its roster by securing commitments from two standout prospects: Texas guard Chaney Spencer and Italian forward Anita Franchini. These additions are poised to enhance the team’s competitiveness in the upcoming seasons.
**Chaney Spencer: A Homegrown Talent**
Hailing from Montgomery, Texas, Chaney Spencer is a 5-foot-9 guard who has been instrumental in Lake Creek High School’s recent successes. During her tenure, she led the Lions to their inaugural Region III-5A Area Championship as a sophomore and replicated this achievement in her junior year. Under her guidance, the team clinched two district titles and maintained a commendable 72.6% winning percentage over three years.
Spencer’s individual accolades are equally impressive. She earned a spot on the 2024 Texas Association of Basketball Coaches All-Region Team and was honored as the District 21-5A MVP for the 2023-24 season, following a co-MVP recognition in the 2021-22 season. Coach Taylor lauded Spencer as a “traditional floor general,” emphasizing her exceptional ball-handling skills, leadership qualities, and deep understanding of the game. Taylor expressed enthusiasm about Spencer’s commitment, highlighting it as a realization of a dream for the Spencer family and a significant gain for the Aggies. citeturn0search0
**Anita Franchini: International Expertise**
From Verona, Italy, Anita Franchini is a versatile 6-foot-1 forward bringing international experience to the Aggies. She played a pivotal role in the Italian U18 team’s 5-2 record at the 2024 European Championships, notably scoring 12 points and securing four steals against Hungary in the main bracket’s first round. Franchini also competed with Umana Reyer Venezia in Italy’s Serie A1 league during the 2023-24 and 2022-23 seasons and contributed to an eighth-place finish for her U16 squad at the 2022 FIBA Women’s European Championships.
Coach Taylor praised Franchini as a “cross-positional talent” with a versatile skill set that aligns seamlessly with Texas A&M’s basketball philosophy. Taylor highlighted Franchini’s wealth of experience from her national team participation and tenure with one of Italy’s top clubs, expressing immense excitement about her decision to join the Aggie family. citeturn0search0
**Strategic Recruitment Amidst Roster Changes**
The recruitment of Spencer and Franchini comes at a crucial juncture for Texas A&M. The team experienced significant roster changes, with several players entering the transfer portal and others graduating. Notably, in March and April of 2024, players such as Kay Kay Green (who transferred to Charlotte), Janiah Barker (to UCLA), Sydney Bowles (to Florida State), Tineya Hylton (to Cincinnati), Maliyah Johnson (to Ball State), and Kylie Marshall (to SMU) departed from the program. citeturn0search3 These departures underscore the importance of integrating fresh talent like Spencer and Franchini to maintain and elevate the team’s performance levels.
**Looking Ahead**
With the infusion of both domestic and international talent, Texas A&M’s women’s basketball program is positioning itself for a promising future. The unique blend of Spencer’s local achievements and Franchini’s international experience is expected to contribute significantly to the Aggies’ aspirations in the competitive landscape of collegiate women’s basketball.
