Tennessee Lady Vols Veteran Enters Transfer Portal
The Tennessee Lady Vols are facing significant changes following a disappointing season. The team concluded the year on an eight-game losing streak, culminating in a first-round exit from the NCAA Tournament. As of Monday, the situation has worsened, with all remaining players opting for transfers.
Tennessee Lady Vols: A Season to Forget
Under Coach Kim Caldwell, the Lady Vols had a challenging season, finishing with a record of 16-14. This performance marked a notable decline, as the eight consecutive losses represented the first such streak in the NCAA women’s basketball era, dating back to 1981-82. Additionally, their 14 losses tied the school record established in the 2015-16 season.
Jaida Civil’s Decision
Jaida Civil was the last player indicating she would remain on the roster. On Monday morning, she announced her decision to enter the transfer portal after just one season. Civil expressed gratitude for her time under what she termed “one of the best up-and-coming coaches in the country,” but ultimately chose to leave after considerable reflection and prayer.
Other Players Entering the Transfer Portal
Civil is not alone in her decision to depart. Four other Lady Vols joined her in entering the transfer portal when it officially opened:
- Talaysia Cooper
- Kaniya Boyd
- Alyssa Latham
- Lauren Hurst
Additionally, Mia and Mya Pauldo announced their intent to transfer previously, although their names were not yet listed in the portal by midday Monday. Deniya Prawl has also hinted at transferring, posting a message on March 26 that read, “Thankful for it all.”
Coaching Changes and Future Outlook
The team is also undergoing coaching changes. Coach Caldwell recently lost an assistant coach, who departed to pursue a position with Kim Mulkey at LSU. Caldwell confirmed the dismissal of assistant coach Roman Tubner just days before hiring Bill Ferrara, a former associate head coach at Florida State. Ferrara’s expertise in high-scoring offenses, three-point shooting, and recruiting is expected to contribute positively as the Lady Vols rebuild.
As the Tennessee Lady Vols face a rebuilding phase, the decision of veteran players to enter the transfer portal signifies both challenges and opportunities ahead for the program.
