Changes are afoot for Lady Vols basketball this offseason.
Kim Caldwell takes the reins as head coach, stepping in after an impressive season at Marshall. She replaces Kellie Harper, the former Lady Vols point guard who was relieved of her coaching duties after five seasons.
The roster is also undergoing transformation under Caldwell’s leadership. Here’s the breakdown:
Departures:
– Rickea Jackson’s departure leaves a significant gap in the Lady Vols’ lineup. Jackson, the standout of the previous season and the No. 4 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, averaged impressive stats during her time at Tennessee.
– Point guard Jasmine Powell and center Tamari Key have both exhausted their eligibility, while forward Karoline Striplin has entered the transfer portal.
Returns:
– Guard Jewel Spear’s decision to return is a significant boost for the team. Spear led Tennessee in 3-pointers and showcased her skills in her first season.
– Guard Tess Darby has opted to utilize her extra year of eligibility, bringing valuable experience and shooting prowess to the team.
– Forward Jillian Hollingshead remains the sole returning post player, while guards Sara Puckett and Kaiya Wynn are expected to elevate their game in their senior year.
– Guard Destinee Wells is set to make her debut for the Lady Vols after recovering from a season-ending injury.
New Additions:
– Guard Tayalsia Cooper is ready to make her debut for the Lady Vols after sitting out last season due to transfer regulations.
– Guard Kaniya Boyd, the lone signee in the 2024 class, has already joined the team on campus, bringing her talent and potential to the court.
The Lady Vols currently have nine returning scholarship players and six open scholarships to utilize in the transfer portal. They are looking to add shooting, scoring, and depth, particularly in the post and at point guard, to complement Caldwell’s system, which emphasizes 3-pointers and a fast-paced style of play.
