{"id":10214,"date":"2025-05-02T09:38:43","date_gmt":"2025-05-02T09:38:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/asport.com.ng\/?p=10214"},"modified":"2025-05-02T09:38:43","modified_gmt":"2025-05-02T09:38:43","slug":"these-individuals-will-be-major-contributors-to-the-lady-vols-2025-26-squad-alongside-returning-players-to-address-the-departures-of-key-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/asport.com.ng\/?p=10214","title":{"rendered":"These individuals will be major contributors to the Lady Vols\u2019 2025-26 squad, alongside returning players, to address the departures of key"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1><strong>The Tennessee Lady Vols: Key Contributors for the 2025\u201326 Season<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>The Tennessee Lady Vols are poised for a transformative 2025\u201326 women&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Departures and Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Lady Vols bid farewell to several pivotal players from the previous season:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Rickea Jackson<\/strong>: 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Jasmine Powell<\/strong>: A senior guard known for her playmaking abilities, Powell contributed 9.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Karoline Striplin<\/strong>: A versatile forward, Striplin transferred to Indiana after averaging 7.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tamari Key<\/strong>: A towering presence in the paint, Key averaged 5.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game before graduating.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These departures have created opportunities for new talents to step up and fill the void left by these key players.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Returning Talent<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Despite the departures, the Lady Vols retain several core players who are expected to play pivotal roles:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Jewel Spear<\/strong>: A senior guard, Spear averaged 13.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, showcasing her scoring prowess.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sara Puckett<\/strong>: A senior forward, Puckett started all 33 games in the 2023\u201324 season, contributing 9.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Destinee Wells<\/strong>: A senior guard, Wells provided 6.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, known for her leadership and playmaking abilities.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Jillian Hollingshead<\/strong>: A senior forward, Hollingshead appeared in 31 games, averaging 4.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, offering depth in the frontcourt.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These returning players bring experience and stability to the team, providing a solid foundation for the upcoming season.<\/p>\n<p><strong>New Additions<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>To bolster the roster, the Lady Vols have made strategic additions through transfers and recruiting:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Talaysia Cooper<\/strong>: A sophomore guard transferring from South Carolina, Cooper is known for her defensive prowess and quickness.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Zee Spearman<\/strong>: A junior forward transferring from Miami (FL), Spearman brings versatility and scoring ability to the frontcourt.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Samara Spencer<\/strong>: A junior forward transferring from Arkansas, Spencer adds depth and experience to the forward position.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Alyssa Latham<\/strong>: A sophomore forward transferring from Syracuse, Latham is expected to contribute immediately with her rebounding and defensive skills.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ruby Whitehorn<\/strong>: A junior guard transferring from Clemson, Whitehorn is known for her athleticism and scoring ability.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Favor Ayodele<\/strong>: A senior forward transferring from Pittsburgh, Ayodele brings experience and leadership to the team<\/li>\n<li><strong>Avery Strickland<\/strong>: A junior guard transferring from Pittsburgh, Strickland adds depth to the backcourt.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These new additions are expected to integrate seamlessly into the team&#8217;s system, providing depth and enhancing the overall talent pool.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Coaching Leadership<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>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<\/p>\n<p><strong>Outlook for the 2025\u201326 Season<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>With a blend of returning talent and impactful new additions, the Lady Vols are poised for success in the upcoming season. The team&#8217;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.(<\/p>\n<p>As the 2025\u201326 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&#8217;s college basketball.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Tennessee Lady Vols: Key Contributors for the 2025\u201326 Season The Tennessee Lady Vols are poised for a transformative 2025\u201326 women&#8217;s college basketball season under the guidance of head coach &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":10216,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[590,592,594,595],"class_list":["post-10214","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-football","tag-tennessee-vol","tag-tennessee-vols-baseball-news","tag-tennessee-vols-football-news","tag-tennessee-vols-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with 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