Congratulations, Chaz Lanier: Tennessee Guard Welcomes Twins in a Grand Style…
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – April 4, 2025 — In a heartfelt celebration that transcends the basketball court, University of Tennessee guard Chaz Lanier and his partner, Alani Rivers, have welcomed twins into the world in a grand and emotional style. The joyous event took place just days after Lanier helped lead the Volunteers to a memorable March Madness performance, making this moment a powerful blend of athletic triumph and personal bliss.
From Hardwood to Hospital Room
Lanier had just wrapped up one of the best seasons of his career, and fans expected him to take a brief hiatus to rest. Instead, the young star rushed home to Knoxville to be by Alani’s side as she went into labor with their twin babies—two healthy, beautiful girls.
Introducing the Twins: Charli and Chance
The twins, Charli Lanier and Chance Lanier, were born early Monday morning at UT Medical Center. Both babies weighed over 6 pounds and are reported to be in perfect health. The couple announced their names via Instagram, alongside a stunning family photo that melted hearts across the nation.
A Family Affair in Orange and White
To commemorate the birth of his daughters, Lanier held a private celebration in Knoxville with close family, friends, and teammates. The event, themed “Orange Blossoms,” was covered in Tennessee Volunteers colors and included tiny jerseys for the twins embroidered with “Baby Vol #1” and “Baby Vol #2.”
Teammates Share Their Love
Zakai Zeigler, Jordan Gainey, and Jahmai Mashack were among the first to congratulate Chaz publicly. “Biggest win of the year right here,” said Zeigler in an Instagram story showing Lanier cradling the twins.
Coach Rick Barnes Reacts
Head Coach Rick Barnes, known for treating his players like family, issued a warm statement: “We’re incredibly proud of Chaz. Watching him grow as a man, teammate, and now father has been a blessing. Charli and Chance are lucky to have a dad like him.”
Alani Rivers: The Woman Beside the Star
While Chaz shines under arena lights, Alani has been the quiet force behind the scenes. A graduate student in education, she’s described by friends as “graceful, humble, and wise beyond her years.” She and Chaz met during his transfer transition and bonded over their shared love for community service.
UT Community Comes Together
The Volunteer fanbase responded with overwhelming support. A large banner that read “Welcome Baby Vols!” was unfurled outside Thompson-Boling Arena, and several Knoxville businesses sent baby gifts and flowers to the Lanier family.
Twin Jerseys Now Available
In honor of the new arrivals, the Tennessee Athletics Store has released a limited-edition set of baby jerseys with Lanier’s number. Proceeds will go toward UT’s student-parent support programs.
Fatherhood in the Spotlight
Lanier has been open about the challenges of balancing athletics and family. “It’s not easy, but nothing worth it ever is,” he said in a post-delivery interview. “Being a dad is my proudest title.”
Baby Blessing Ceremony
The twins were blessed in a private church ceremony with close family in attendance. Chaz and Alani gave heartfelt speeches, dedicating their lives to raising their daughters with love, faith, and resilience.
11. Fans Flood Social Media
Within hours of the announcement, “LanierTwins” trended on Twitter and Instagram. Fans shared artwork, congratulatory videos, and messages. One fan posted, “From layups to lullabies—Chaz is winning in life.”
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12. A Legacy Beyond the Court
Chaz has often spoken about his goal to be a role model beyond basketball. With the birth of his daughters, he is determined to raise them with strong values. “I want them to see a father who works hard but also makes time for what matters most,” he said.
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13. Tennessee Volunteers Celebrate in Style
Before practice on Tuesday, the entire team wore baby bibs over their jerseys in honor of Chaz. Even Coach Barnes joined in, wearing a “Vol Grandpa” T-shirt.
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14. Alumni React to the News
Tennessee basketball alumni like Admiral Schofield and Grant Williams sent their congratulations. “Welcome to fatherhood, bro. It’s the best role you’ll ever play,” said Schofield.
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15. The Birth Playlist: A Musical Moment
Sources close to the couple revealed that the twins were born to a playlist featuring “Rocky Top,” “Sweetest Devotion” by Adele, and “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton—capturing the emotions of the moment.
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16. A Future in Women’s Hoops?
Lanier joked during the baby shower, “Charli and Chance might be the first WNBA duo born at the same time!” The couple has already received tiny basketballs from Vols fans with messages like “Future Lady Vols.”
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17. Vols Nation Fundraiser
In celebration, a UT alumni group launched a fundraiser for young student-athlete parents. Within 48 hours, over $20,000 was raised in the twins’ names.
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18. Balancing the Ball and the Bottle
Lanier spoke candidly about night feedings and diaper duty. “I can handle a full-court press. Midnight baby cries? That’s the real challenge,” he said, laughing.
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19. Twins First Visit to Thompson-Boling
Just a week after their birth, Charli and Chance made their debut at a Vols scrimmage. Alani sat courtside, holding the bundled babies as the crowd erupted in applause.
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20. From Transfer to Tennessee Hero
Chaz Lanier’s journey from North Florida to Knoxville was already inspiring. Now, as a father and leader, he’s become a symbol of growth, maturity, and heart.
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21. A Documentary in the Works?
Rumors suggest ESPN’s “SEC Storied” may produce a documentary on Lanier’s rise and the birth of his daughters. A production crew was reportedly seen near the family’s Knoxville home.
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22. Baby Room Decor
The nursery is said to feature a “Rocky Top” mountain mural, custom-made orange cribs, and plush mascots of Smokey the Dog.
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23. Alani’s Message to Fans
Alani posted a heartfelt note: “Thank you, Vol Nation. You’ve embraced us not just as supporters of basketball, but as supporters of life and love.”
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24. Baby Photos Break the Internet
The first official photos of the twins in Tennessee cheer outfits went viral, with over 1 million likes and shares in under 24 hours.
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25. Lanier’s Academic Aspirations
Chaz has not only been a force on the court but is also completing his degree in leadership studies. He’s now more motivated than ever to build a future for his daughters.
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26. Community Celebrations Spread
In his hometown of Nashville, murals and posters have gone up in honor of Lanier and the twins. Schools are even using his story in motivational assemblies.
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27. Basketball, Baby Bottles, and Big Dreams
Lanier admitted he carries baby wipes in his gym bag and a pacifier in his locker. “Life’s different—but it’s the best different.”
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28. A Teammate’s Tribute
During the last home game, Zeigler wrote “Charli + Chance” on his sneakers in tribute to the twins—a gesture that brought fans to tears.
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29. Future Baby Milestones
Lanier plans to be present for every milestone—even if it means flying home between games. “I’ll never miss their first steps, even if I have to watch it on FaceTime during halftime,” he joked.
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30. Vol Nation Baby Boom?
Inspired by the Laniers, several Vols fans shared their own pregnancy announcements, calling it the “Lanier Baby Wave.”
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31. Message from the University President
UT President Randy Boyd issued a university-wide message: “Today, we celebrate not just a student-athlete but a devoted young father. Welcome, Charli and Chance.”
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32. The Twins’ First Game
Plans are in motion for a “Baby Vol Day” at an upcoming game, where Charli and Chance will be honorary mascots.
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33. An Ending That’s Only the Beginning
For Chaz Lanier, basketball brought him to Knoxville—but fatherhood has anchored him in something much deeper. As Vol Nation continues to cheer him on, it’s clear that his greatest victory isn’t on the court, but in the eyes of his daughters.
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