Lady Vols Secure Consecutive WBCA Academic Top 25 Honor
The University of Tennessee’s women’s basketball team, known as the Lady Vols, has been named to the WBCA Academic Top 25 Honor Roll for the 2025‑26 season, recognizing its combined 3.285 grade point average. The achievement marks the second straight year the program has earned this distinction, underscoring a sustained commitment to scholarly excellence.
Head coach Kim Caldwell, now in her second year leading the squad, highlighted the collective effort that made the milestone possible. “Our players, staff and support network understand that success on the court starts with discipline in the classroom,” Caldwell said in a statement released by the university.
The honor roll includes 34 NCAA Power Four programs nationwide, seven of which are members of the Southeastern Conference. Tennessee’s placement reflects both its competitive pedigree and its academic rigor, as the Lady Vols joined a select group of SEC schools receiving the recognition.
To qualify, teams must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and be nominated by a head coach who is a member of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. The association’s executive director, Danielle Donehew, praised the honorees for their dual‑focused excellence. “These teams exemplify the standard we strive for — competitive success paired with a genuine dedication to academic achievement,” Donehew remarked.
Beyond the team‑wide accolade, the Lady Vols also placed 12 individuals on the SEC Academic Honor Roll for the 2025‑26 term, further illustrating the depth of scholarly talent within the roster. The university celebrated the students’ balance of rigorous athletics and demanding coursework, a narrative that resonates with recruits seeking a comprehensive college experience.
The 31st edition of the WBCA’s combined honor rolls reflects a growing emphasis on holistic development in women’s college basketball. As the Lady Vols look ahead to the upcoming season, their academic distinction serves as a benchmark for future classes and reinforces the program’s reputation as a model of integrity and ambition.