CAREER HONORS

• 2023 Spring SEC Academic Honor Roll

2024

• Hit a solo shot in a series-clinching run-rule triumph against Auburn (4/7).
• Had three hits, an RBI and a run scored in a series-clinching victory over Georgia (3/31).
• Scored seven runs, had seven hits and tallied four RBI in a weekend series win against Ole Miss (3/22-3/24). 
• Extended his hit streak to 15 games after a weekend sweep over Illinois (3/8-3/10).
• Showcased a career day with a home run, double, three hits and three runs scored against High Point (2/27). 
• Tallied four RBIs, four hits and five runs scored in a weekend series sweep over UAlbany (2/23-2/25). 
• Hit a three-run bomb for his first home run of the year en route to a win over Baylor (2/18). 

2023

• Hit a crucial solo home run to dead center in the bottom of the ninth to kick-start the comeback effort in a win over #2 Vanderbilt (4/21)
• Started at DH and tallied two hits, including a double, in series finale at #5 Arkansas (4/16)
• Recorded a pinch-hit single, drew a walk and scored a run at #5 Arkansas (4/15)
• Had two hits, three RBI and a run scored in a series-opening win over #12 Texas A&M (3/24)
• Recorded a double and scored a run in a midweek win over Lipscomb (3/14)
• Made his first career start against Morehead State (3/10), going 3-for-4 with two RBIs, two runs scored and his first-career home run
• Roped a double down the right-field line in a 6-0 win over Dayton (2/26)
• Scored and drove in a pair of runs while recording a knock in a 23-1 offensive extravaganza against Alabama A&M (2/23)
• Made his collegiate debut against Alabama A&M (2/21), ripping a double to left-center in his first career plate appearance, he would also score a run

2022

• Redshirted ... did not see action

HIGH SCHOOL

• Rated No. 421 player overall and No. 15 player in Tennessee by Perfect Game
• Ranked No. 481 overall prospect by Prep Baseball Report
• Three-time Perfect Game Preseason All-American (2019-21)
• Columbia Academy record holder for home runs
• Two-time Tennessee Mr. Baseball finalist (2019, 2021)
• 2021 TSWA Division II-A All-State selection
• 2019 TSWA Class A All-State selection
• 2019 Tennessean All-Midstate Team selection
• Batted .446 with 50 hits, 11 homers and 52 RBIs while also posting a 7-2 record on the mound with 88 strikeouts in 43.1 innings pitched as a senior in 2021
• Batted .496 with 40 runs, 20 doubles, nine home runs and 56 RBIs as a sophomore in 2019
• Helped lead the Bulldogs to a 33-8 record and the state playoffs as a senior in 2021
• Played club ball for Team Ohio Pro Select
• 2020 WWBA 17U National Championship All-Tournament team
• 2019 Perfect Game 17U World Series All-Tournament team     
• 2019 WWBA Underclass World Championship All-Tournament team
• Named to 2019 Perfect Game Southeast Top Prospect Games  Top-Prospect team                                                                              
• Also played football in high school

PERSONAL

• Full name is William Kavares Tears
• Born on Aug. 25, 2002
• Majoring in recreation and sport management
• Son of Alicia and Rodrick Tears
• Has two older siblings, Broderick and O’Shea, and one younger sibling, Kendrick
• Related to New England Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower and former infielder for the Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs Jason Maxwell
• Graduated Cum Laude from Columbia Academy
• Picked UT because of the atmosphere of the campus and the loyalty of the fans