4-star forward Ciara Byars cites "support and consistency" as a major reason for her commitment to Coach Kim Barnes Arico's Michigan Wolverines

Four-star forward Ciara Byars committed to the University of Michigan. The ace player from George Rogers Clark High School announced her commitment over the social media platform X on Wednesday.

“All glory to God!! Found my new home,” the caption read.

The 6-foot-2 forward Ciara Byars preferred Wolverines over other programs, including Virginia Tech, Louisville, Cal, Vanderbilt, Maryland and Mississippi State.

The forward cited support and consistency from the team and staff to be the primary motivators behind her decision. She had over 20 Division I offers that distilled down to around seven. After taking two trips to Ann Arbor, she was convinced Michigan to be her ultimate destination.

“They’ve just always been so consistent in supporting me, whether that was before, during, or after the injury,” Byars told On3. “They always showed up to my games when I was playing when I wasn’t playing. The support and consistency of them, and then Coach [Kim Barnes] Arico’s vision for the program.”

Ciara Byars' commitment is coach Kim Barnes Arico's third top-100 recruit in the 2025 class. She will join No. 35 prospect McKenzie Mathurin and Jessica Fields.

“They really just had a great recruiting class that they brought in, and then also the girls that are coming in that are already committed to the 2025 class are amazing as well,” she said.

Ciara Byars ranks No. 3 in Kentucky as per ESPN and a top 40 national prospect in the Class of 2025.

George Rogers Clark excited over Ciara Byars commitment

Ciara Byars is an integral part of the Cardinals and has been instrumental in her team’s winning streak. In her junior season last year, she averaged an impressive 14.1 points per game in 15 games.

On January 6, Byars suffered an ACL injury against Montgomery County, and she was concerned about the impact on her college aspirations. But it appears that the Wolverines' coach and staff have been extremely supportive, which influenced her choice to commit to Michigan.

“Before the injury, during the injury, after the injury,” Byars said. “They’ve been there right by my side. They’re just so supportive, and that’s what stuck out to me.”

Additionally, George Rogers Clark's head coach, Robbie Graham, also seems excited following her commitment to the Wolverines.

“The University of Michigan is getting an outstanding young lady,” Graham told the Herald-Leader. “Very high character, a very good student in the classroom, and a prime-time player. So she’s got all the characteristics to be very successful at that level.”

Byars has been out of the court since her ACL injury. She will return for her final high school season.