RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Thursday the hiring of Fraser Speaks as a Student-Athlete Advisor.
 
Speaks joins UTRGV Athletics after spending the last nine seasons working in academic services across four NCAA Div. I institutions, including, Memphis, Miami, Stetson, and The Citadel. In her new role, she oversees the academic advising for the men's basketball program.
 
"I am happy to welcome Fraser to our team. With several years of experience supporting student-athletes, she brings valuable knowledge and expertise," Associate Athletic Director for Academic Services Letty Hernandez said. "I am confident Fraser will be a tremendous asset to our department and play an important role in advancing our students' academic success."
 
Speaks spent the last two seasons as an associate director at the University of Memphis, where she oversaw the academic advising for student-athletes on the men's basketball, women's golf, and softball programs. Speaks helped the men's basketball and softball programs achieve program-high GPAs during the Fall 2025 semester. In addition, she assisted student-athletes with course selection, progress towards degree plan, and the graduation process.
 
Speaks went to Memphis after spending a year with Miami. At Miami, Speaks advised student-athletes on the women's basketball, women's soccer, women's tennis, and volleyball programs. Alongside her normal duties, Speaks helped the women's basketball and women's soccer programs set school records for honorees named to their respective All-ACC Academic Teams.
 
"I am so excited to be welcomed into the UTRGV family," Speaks said. "I am looking forward to working with our student-athletes and being part of the growth happening in the athletics department. I am grateful to Letty Hernandez for this incredible opportunity and can't wait to get started."
 
Speaks spent nearly three years as assistant director for Student-Athlete Success & Academics at Stetson where she oversaw or assisted with the athletic advising for the football, baseball, women's cross country, lacrosse, women's rowing, men's and women's soccer, and women's tennis programs. While at Stetson, the school earned the Atlantic Sun Conference award for most improved APR for 2022-23.
 
Prior to her stint at Stetson, Speaks spent three years at The Citadel. While at The Citadel, Speaks served as the academic advisor for the football and baseball programs. In addition to her normal responsibilities, Speaks helped plan and run the summer bridge transitional program for incoming freshman student-athletes.
 
Speaks earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Wofford in 2012. Speaks is also a member of the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics and Women Leaders in Sports.

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