The University of Tennessee’s women’s basketball program is entering a new era as the Lady Vols prepare for the 2026‑27 season with a completely overhauled roster.
A New Era Under Coach Caldwell
Head coach Kim Caldwell is in her third season leading the team, having guided the program through a period of transition and now overseeing a roster that blends seasoned transfers with the highly anticipated 2026 signing class.
The roster features 13 transfers from a variety of conferences, each bringing a different set of skills, alongside a freshman wing from Hebron Christian Academy who joins the signing class.
Player Spotlights
Sophomore guard Harissoum Coulibaly arrives from Auburn University, where she developed a reputation for tenacious defense, while sophomore forward Zhen Craft comes from the University of Georgia, adding size and versatility to the frontcourt.
Junior point guard Jada Eads, a former Seton Hall standout, is expected to bring stability to the backcourt, and redshirt senior point guard Kennedy Fauntleroy, who previously played at East Carolina, offers experience and leadership.
Senior forward Fatmata Janneh, a veteran of Texas A&M, and Riley Makalusky, a senior forward from West Virginia, provide depth and a physical presence down low.
Junior guard Avery Mills, who transferred from Liberty University, and freshman wing Gabby Minus, a Hebron Christian Academy alum, add perimeter shooting and athleticism.
Redshirt senior forward Aaliyah Moore, formerly of the University of Texas, returns to the SEC with a track record of productivity, while freshman guard Irene Oboavwoduo brings fresh talent from Manchester Basketball.
Redshirt sophomore forward Harper Peterson, a Stanford graduate, and Kaylene Smikle, a redshirt senior guard from the University of Maryland, contribute strategic experience and versatility.
Junior guard Shaelyn Steele, a Penn State transfer, and senior guard Rylie Theuerkauf, who last played at Georgia, round out the backcourt options, while sophomore guard Naomi White, a Northern Arizona alumnus, looks to make an immediate impact.
Looking Ahead
With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the Lady Vols hope to translate this diverse talent pool into a competitive season within the SEC, aiming to build on the foundation laid by Coach Caldwell.