Virginia Tech and Megan Duffy scored a big commitment from elite point guard prospect Kate Sears. The 5-foot-10 guard from Boone, North Carolina, chose the Hokies over Kansas, Purdue, Michigan, Wake Forest, Princeton, Marquette and Clemson.
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“I chose Virginia Tech because when I visited, it felt right,” Sears told 247Sports. “I always wanted to go somewhere where most people from my town didn’t go, but also a place where I can win and have a large basketball fan base. Although the staff is new, I know the other coaches are winners. I know it won’t be long before we’re back in the Final Four, and that was very important to me.”
Sears continued: “Many of the schools I was considering were a flight away, like Kansas, Purdue and Michigan, but it really came down to distance and the people. I didn’t want to be a flight away from my family, but I also wanted to surround myself with wonderful people. I built a great relationship with Coach Duffy, and I know the rest of the staff will push me to be the best on and off the court.”
Virginia Tech hired Megan Duffy in April and she’s hit the ground running by landing Sears this offseason. Sears took note of Duffy’s success at Marquette, which made it to the NCAA tournament last season.
“Coach Duffy recruited me throughout the whole process,” she said. “She was at Marquette. And now that she’s gotten the Virginia Tech job, I know she’s a winner. She’s proven that throughout her career at Marquette, and I know she’s going to win here. That, along with the phenomenal resources and the fan base, led me to this decision. They have everything they need to be able to win, and I know she’ll get us back on track.”
Coach Duffy sold Sears on being able to be used both on and off the ball while having the opportunity to be an impactful offensive player.
“They see me as a point guard, but also as a two,” Sears said. “I’m pretty versatile, where I can play the one or two, which is important to me. I mostly played on the ball during my career, but I know I can play off the ball and shoot as well. Also, they use a lot of ball screens and allow freedom for the guards to get downhill, play basketball and not be robotic in the offense.”
Virginia Tech finished with a 25-8 record last season and made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament. Now that she’s part of the program, Sears is looking to develop as a player so that she can contribute to the team’s success.
“I know the coaches are going to push me to the best of my ability on and off the court,” she said. “I’m going to work hard and try to be the best player I can be while having that translate to wins. I want to win the conference and make a run in the tournament.”