The University of Tennessee women's basketball program is entering a new era as it prepares for the 2026‑27 season with a completely revamped roster. All eight possible returners from the previous year have entered the transfer portal, leaving the coaching staff with a clean slate and a clear need to rebuild.
A Roster Rebuilt From the Ground Up
Tennessee answered that need by adding thirteen transfer athletes and one player from the 2026 signing class, creating a diverse mix of experience and fresh talent that will define the team's identity on the court.
Among the newcomers is Harissoum Coulibaly, a sophomore guard who previously starred at Auburn, and Zhen Craft, a sophomore forward who honed her game at Georgia. Both bring proven collegiate experience and a hunger to contribute immediately.
The roster also features junior point guard Jada Eads, redshirt senior point guard Kennedy Fauntleroy, senior forward Fatmata "Fats" Janneh, senior forward Riley Makalusky, junior guard Avery Mills, freshman wing Gabby Minus, redshirt senior forward Aaliyah Moore, freshman guard Irene Oboavwoduo, redshirt sophomore forward Harper Peterson, redshirt senior guard Kaylene Smikle, junior guard Shaelyn Steele, senior guard Rylie Theuerkauf, and sophomore guard Naomi White. Each player arrives with a distinct background, ranging from stints at Seton Hall and East Carolina to previous seasons at Texas A&M, West Virginia, Liberty, and other notable programs.
Guiding this transformation is Coach Kim Caldwell, who has returned to lead the program after a brief hiatus. Caldwell will blend the veteran presence of athletes like Fatmata Janneh and Riley Makalusky with the energy of newcomers such as Gabby Minus and Irene Oboavwoduo, aiming to forge chemistry quickly before the first regular‑season game.
Fans can look forward to seeing how the new pieces fit together at Thompson‑Boling Arena, where the Lady Vols will open the season against non‑conference opponents. The excitement surrounding the roster overhaul reflects a broader optimism that the team can compete at a high level despite the significant turnover.