Congratulations to LVFL Cierra Burdick and Zee Spearman on their victory in the women’s division of the 2025 USA Basketball 3X Nationals!

In a tournament defined by grit, hustle, and skill, two Lady Vol For Lifers (LVFLs) rose above the rest. Cierra Burdick and Zee Spearman etched their names in 3-on-3 basketball history with a hard-fought victory at the 2025 USA Basketball 3X Nationals, capturing the women’s division title and bringing pride back to the Tennessee faithful. More than a win, this was a showcase of elite-level chemistry, poise under pressure, and the timeless excellence associated with the orange and white.

Their triumph didn’t just represent individual greatness—it was a symbolic statement about the enduring legacy of Tennessee women’s basketball and the increasing prominence of 3×3 basketball on the global stage. Here’s how Burdick and Spearman climbed to the top.

When news broke that Cierra Burdick and Zee Spearman were teaming up for the 2025 3X Nationals, Lady Vol fans buzzed with excitement. Burdick, a 2015 graduate and WNBA veteran, had already built a résumé filled with accolades: a McDonald’s All-American, SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, WNBA journeyman, and now a central figure in USA Basketball’s 3×3 push.

Spearman, meanwhile, had followed a different but equally impressive path. Known for her gritty defense, basketball IQ, and infectious energy, Spearman had spent years representing the Tennessee brand overseas and domestically, mentoring younger players and staying active within the 3×3 circuit.

The two had intersected briefly at Tennessee in practice settings and alumni events, but this was their first official pairing on the hardwood. The chemistry was immediate.

“We just clicked,” Burdick said after the championship game. “It’s that Lady Vol bond. We know what Pat (Summitt) instilled in all of us—discipline, selflessness, and the drive to win. Zee brings the fire, and I bring the experience. Together, we were a force.”

The 2025 USA Basketball 3X Nationals featured a highly competitive field filled with professional players, college stars, and experienced 3×3 athletes. With quick 10-minute games, a 12-second shot clock, and no room for error, the format demanded precision and toughness.

In pool play, Burdick and Spearman wasted no time sending a message. Alongside two other formidable teammates, they went undefeated, showcasing a blend of suffocating defense and methodical offense. Burdick’s size and versatility made her a matchup nightmare, while Spearman’s speed and ball-handling opened up lanes and kick-outs.

Their most telling moment came in a tight matchup against the reigning champions. Down by three with under two minutes to go, Burdick nailed a key two-pointer to tie the game, and Spearman followed with a dazzling drive and finish through contact. The duo clamped down defensively, sealing a win that ultimately secured the No. 1 seed for bracket play.

“We don’t back down. We’ve both been battle-tested,” Spearman said. “We took it one possession at a time, and when it mattered most, we trusted each other.”

The final was a physical showdown against a team headlined by WNBA hopefuls and overseas veterans. With the game tied at 18 and the clock ticking toward overtime, the Lady Vol duo needed one final push.

That push came courtesy of classic Cierra Burdick mid-post brilliance. She backed down her defender, pivoted, and nailed a turnaround jumper to give her team a 19-18 lead. Then came the knockout punch: a Spearman steal at the top of the arc, followed by a full-speed transition layup through traffic. Final score: 21-18.

Their bench erupted. The fans stood and cheered. And Burdick and Spearman, draped in gold medals, embraced at center court with tears in their eyes.

“It means the world,” Burdick said, her voice cracking. “To win this with Zee, to represent Tennessee, to show we still got it—it’s everything.”

3×3 basketball has rapidly grown since its Olympic debut in Tokyo. With faster games, streetball flair, and unique strategies, it appeals to younger fans and has opened doors for players to extend their careers in dynamic ways.

Burdick has been one of the vocal leaders pushing for greater visibility and resources for women’s 3×3 basketball. This championship adds yet another layer to her influence.

“Cierra is a pioneer in this format,” said USA Basketball’s 3×3 director Jay Demings. “She’s helped legitimize it for women, and she’s bringing credibility, mentorship, and leadership.”

For Spearman, the win also provides a platform to inspire younger athletes.

“This is a game of opportunity,” she said. “You don’t have to be in the WNBA to chase dreams. 3×3 is real basketball, and it’s a pathway to the Olympics, to international fame, to so much more.”

Tennessee women’s basketball has long been defined by excellence, accountability, and a sisterhood that transcends generations. Under Pat Summitt, and now under head coach Kellie Harper, the LVFL community continues to thrive.

The victory at the 3X Nationals served as a living testament to that legacy. Burdick and Spearman’s win wasn’t just for themselves—it was for the generations of Lady Vols who came before them and the ones now watching and dreaming.

“Kellie texted us before the championship game,” Burdick revealed. “She told us to have fun and to remember who we represent. That meant a lot.”

Social media lit up with support from current Lady Vols, alumni, and fans. From Tamika Catchings to Candace Parker, the LVFL sisterhood showered praise on the duo.

“You love to see it,” Catchings posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Cierra and Zee representing the orange with pride and poise. LVFL forever.”

With 3×3 basketball set to return at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, there’s already buzz around whether Burdick and Spearman might have a shot at joining Team USA.

Burdick previously played for the U.S. at the FIBA 3×3 level and could be a veteran leader for a potential Olympic roster. Spearman, with her breakout performance, has put herself firmly in the national conversation.

“Let’s take it one step at a time,” Burdick said. “But yeah—if LA 2028 is on the table, I’ll be ready.”

More than a gold medal or a trophy, this victory was about perseverance, connection, and representation. It was about two Lady Vols stepping onto a new stage and proving they’re still among the best. It was about reminding the basketball world that greatness doesn’t fade—it evolves.

Whether this was the start of a new chapter or the culmination of years of work, Cierra Burdick and Zee Spearman made their mark. And they did it the Lady Vol way: together, tough, and triumphant.

As the confetti settled and the medals were handed out, the echoes of “Rocky Top” could almost be heard in the background. Another banner moment for the Tennessee family. Another legacy written in orange.