The Tennessee Lady Vols: Key Contributors for the 2025–26 Season

The Tennessee Lady Vols are poised for a transformative 2025–26 women’s college basketball season under the guidance of head coach Kim Caldwell. Building upon a solid foundation and addressing key departures, the team is set to make a significant impact in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and beyond.

Departures and Challenges

The Lady Vols bid farewell to several pivotal players from the previous season:

• Rickea Jackson: A standout forward, Jackson averaged 20.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, earning first-team All-SEC honors. She was selected 4th overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks.
• Jasmine Powell: A senior guard known for her playmaking abilities, Powell contributed 9.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.
• Karoline Striplin: A versatile forward, Striplin transferred to Indiana after averaging 7.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game
• Tamari Key: A towering presence in the paint, Key averaged 5.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game before graduating.

These departures have created opportunities for new talents to step up and fill the void left by these key players.

Returning Talent

Despite the departures, the Lady Vols retain several core players who are expected to play pivotal roles:

• Jewel Spear: A senior guard, Spear averaged 13.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, showcasing her scoring prowess.
• Sara Puckett: A senior forward, Puckett started all 33 games in the 2023–24 season, contributing 9.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.
• Destinee Wells: A senior guard, Wells provided 6.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, known for her leadership and playmaking abilities.
• Jillian Hollingshead: A senior forward, Hollingshead appeared in 31 games, averaging 4.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, offering depth in the frontcourt.

These returning players bring experience and stability to the team, providing a solid foundation for the upcoming season.

New Additions

To bolster the roster, the Lady Vols have made strategic additions through transfers and recruiting:

• Talaysia Cooper: A sophomore guard transferring from South Carolina, Cooper is known for her defensive prowess and quickness.
• Zee Spearman: A junior forward transferring from Miami (FL), Spearman brings versatility and scoring ability to the frontcourt.
• Samara Spencer: A junior forward transferring from Arkansas, Spencer adds depth and experience to the forward position.
• Alyssa Latham: A sophomore forward transferring from Syracuse, Latham is expected to contribute immediately with her rebounding and defensive skills.
• Ruby Whitehorn: A junior guard transferring from Clemson, Whitehorn is known for her athleticism and scoring ability.
• Favor Ayodele: A senior forward transferring from Pittsburgh, Ayodele brings experience and leadership to the team
• Avery Strickland: A junior guard transferring from Pittsburgh, Strickland adds depth to the backcourt.

These new additions are expected to integrate seamlessly into the team’s system, providing depth and enhancing the overall talent pool.

Coaching Leadership

Under the leadership of head coach Kim Caldwell, the Lady Vols are adopting a more athletic and fast-paced style of play. Caldwell has emphasized the importance of defense and transition play, aiming to make the team one of the most athletic in the SEC

Outlook for the 2025–26 Season

With a blend of returning talent and impactful new additions, the Lady Vols are poised for success in the upcoming season. The team’s athleticism, depth, and experienced leadership provide a strong foundation for competing at the highest level. If the new players can integrate quickly and contribute effectively, Tennessee has the potential to challenge for an SEC title and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.(

As the 2025–26 season approaches, the Tennessee Lady Vols are set to embark on a new chapter filled with promise and potential. With a strategic mix of returning players and new additions, the team is well-equipped to face the challenges of the SEC and beyond. Under the guidance of Coach Caldwell, the Lady Vols aim to reclaim their place among the elite programs in women’s college basketball.