News release from Texas A&M Athletics:
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION – The Texas A&M women’s basketball team and head coach Joni Taylor signed elite Texas guard Chaney Spencer and Italian prospect Anita Franchini on National Signing Day.
Chaney Spencer | Guard | 5-9 | Montgomery, Texas
The Lake Creek High School product helped lead the Lions to their first ever Region III-5A Area Championship during her sophomore campaign and then did it again last season as a junior. The Montgomery, Texas, native has helped her high school to two district titles and a 72.6% winning percentage during the last three years.
The 5-9 guard was named to the 2024 Texas Association of Basketball Coaches All Region Team and was the 2023-24 District 21-5A MVP and co-MVP during the 2021-22 season.
“Chaney is a traditional floor general in every sense of the position – she possesses the ball handling capability, leadership qualities and basketball acumen required to run a team,” Taylor said. “For the Spencer family, this is a dream come true and we here at Texas A&M women’s basketball are equally excited for Chaney’s commitment!”
Anita Franchini | Forward | 6-1 | Verona, Italy
Franchini signs with the Aggies from Verona, Italy. The 6-1 forward helped the Italian U18 squad to a 5-2 record at the 2024 European Championships. She scored a tournament-best 12 points and recorded four steals versus Hungary in the first round of the main bracket.
During the 2023-24 and 2022-23 seasons, Franchini suited up for Umana Reyer Venezia in the Italian Serie A1 league for two games both years. She also helped her U16 squad in 2022 to an eighth-place finish at the FIBA Women’s European Championships.
“Anita is a cross-positional talent, boasting a versatile skillset that strongly aligns with our brand of basketball here at Texas A&M,” Taylor said. “Coming from Italy, she will bring a wealth of experience from her time playing for both her national team and one of the top clubs in the country. We could not be more ecstatic at her choice to join the Aggie family! 12th Man, get ready.”