By Mike Hutchens, UC SchoolsCommunications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Amari Bonds’ commitment to UT Martin was something that’s been in the works for a long time.
“I’ve known since I was little and went to youth camps there that UTM was where I wanted to go and play basketball,” the Union City High School scoring star and 2022 All-Stater said Wednesday after confirming her future plans.
“They were always my No. 1 pick.”
The Lady Tornado senior — who recently eclipsed 2,100 points for her career and ranks second on the program’s all-time scoring list — had other options, she said.
“Murray State, Tennessee State, Freed-Hardeman, Bethel University,” Bonds claimed when revealing her list of other suitors. “In the end, though, it was a really easy decision.
“It’s where I’ve always wanted to go.”
Officially announcing her future intentions was a relief, she insisted. They include majoring in nursing at UTM in addition to joining the Skyhawk hoop program.
“There was a little bit of stress because I didn’t want to overlook the time demands I’ll have for my nursing plans,” said Bonds, who has made a 27 on the ACT and ranks in the Top 15 of her class. “Not every coach was as supportive of that. But Coach (Kevin) McMillan was.”
Bonds will take her prolific scoring talents to the next level, having tallied in double figures in 43 consecutive games and in more than 90 in her widely celebrated prep career. She has averaged 19.6 ppg during her time in a Purple and Gold uniform.
This year, she’s tallied 30 or more points four times, including a career-high 35 against Milan, and has put up 20 or more points in 16 of UC’s 27 games. For the season, Bonds is averaging 21.6 points-per-game.