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VANESSA WELLS THIBERT - INDUCTEE #171

hall of fame fast fact:

Vanessa left WT as the school’s all-time leading scorer (1,906 points) and in games played (128), was second in steals
 (331) and third in assists (392). 

Vanessa Wells Thibert

Vanessa Wells Thibert was the premier player for the West Texas State basketball program when the Lady Buffs came of age in the 1980s.

After a standout career at Palo Duro, Wells signed with WT and led the Lady Buffs to unprecedented success. In her four years, she led WT to a 112-16 record that included two Lone Star Conference titles. In 1988, the 5-9 Wells averaged 19.9 points and was named the NCAA Division II national player of the year as WT finished with a 33-1 record and national runner-up. Twice, Wells was named All-American, and twice she was named the LSC player of the year, sharing the award in 1988 with teammate Teresa Tinner.

Her strength was her versatility. She played point guard, wing and post during her junior and senior seasons. Wells’ name is all over the WT record book in 19 offensive and defensive categories.