Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Kim Caldwell across Basketball, Football, Baseball.
A look at Tennessee's athletic programs as they prepare for the upcoming season, highlighting key players, coaching changes, and the role of the transfer portal
The Vols' softball team returns a championship‑ready lineup, while basketball, football and baseball each face distinct hurdles that could shape their 2026‑27 campaigns.
A look at Tennessee's 2026‑27 sports rankings, highlighting softball's championship pedigree, basketball's resurgence, and the quarterback puzzle facing football.
The Lady Vols will face Virginia Tech on December 3 in the SEC/ACC Women’s Basketball Challenge, marking a key test for a revamped roster under Coach Kim Caldwell.
The Lady Vols announce a demanding out‑of‑conference slate with games against UConn, Virginia Tech and other top programs, highlighted by the return of former players to Blacksburg.
Tennessee will host Baylor on Dec. 18 at Bridgestone Arena, followed by a Vanderbilt‑Belmont matchup. Tickets become available May 29 at 11 a.m. ET.
The Volunteers and Bears will meet on Dec. 18 in Nashville, marking a historic matchup with playoff implications for both programs.
The Lady Vols have announced a flurry of offers to top high school prospects, adding transfers and an international freshman to a roster that already boasts 14 pledges for the 2026‑27 season.
In her debut press conference, Isoken Uzamere outlined her vision for the Lady Vols, praising Coach Kim Caldwell’s defensive intensity and reflecting on her journey from Nigeria to Tennessee.
University of Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell announced the hiring of Bill Ferrara and Isoken Uzamere to the Lady Vols basketball coaching staff, replacing Gabe Lazo and Roman Tubner. Uzamere’s first media appearance highlighted her recruiting focus and rapport with players, earning high praise from Caldwell. The additions join a core group of assistants that has been together throughout Caldwell’s tenure, signaling a strategic push to strengthen the program’s future.
The Lady Vols enter the 2026‑27 campaign with a completely new roster, 13 transfers, a freshman signing class and third‑year head coach Kim Caldwell at the helm.
The Lady Vols basketball team has reshaped its lineup for the 2026‑27 campaign, adding 13 transfers and a 2026 signing class. Below is a look at the players, their backgrounds, and the coaching staff driving the transformation.
The University of Tennessee women's basketball team will field a brand‑new lineup next season, featuring 13 transfer players and a freshman wing, as the program rebuilds after losing all eight returning athletes.
A transfer forward from Maryland, Kaylene Smikle is projected as the No. 16 prospect for the 2027 WNBA Draft, bringing a blend of collegiate success and professional potential to the Lady Vols.
The latest wave of player movements sees powerhouse programs bolstering their lineups while rebuilding teams seek fresh talent, setting the stage for a competitive season ahead.
Bill Ferrara arrived at the University of Tennessee with a clear recruiting message for Kim Caldwell, the program’s newest head coach. Rather than highlighting lavish facilities or flashy promises, Ferrara stressed honesty, hard work, and a straightforward approach to building a roster. Together, Ferrara and Caldwell are stitching together offensive schemes that prioritize high scoring while curbing turnovers. Their shared vision calls for a fast‑paced attack that can keep opponents on their heels, a blend that could reshape the Lady Vols’ identity on the court. Central to that plan is assistant coach Isoken Uzamere, whose reputation for spotting talent has already earned praise from Ferrara. Uzamere’s influence extends beyond the campus, as she also guides the Nigerian national team, bringing an international perspective to the Volunteers’ recruiting pipeline. Ferrara’s professional history with Uzamere and former player Brandon Miller adds a layer of continuity, suggesting that the new staff builds on established relationships. This network could accelerate the integration of new recruits who fit the program’s ethos. The collaboration is not confined to Tennessee. Both coaches have ties to other collegiate programs, including stints at Florida State University and Hofstra University, which may facilitate cross‑school talent exchanges and strategic partnerships. As the Lady Vols prepare for the upcoming season, the emphasis on disciplined recruiting and a cohesive offensive philosophy signals a strategic shift. If the merger of styles pays off, fans can expect a more dynamic, turnover‑light brand of basketball that reflects the coaches’ shared values.
Coach Kim Caldwell reflects on Gabby Minus's decision to stay with Tennessee, highlighting the recruit's resilience, ranking, and potential influence on the team's future.
Denise Jilka, a longtime University of Tennessee staffer, steps into a new leadership role as executive director of basketball operations, bringing 12 years of experience in athletics and student‑athlete support.
Denise Jilka, a longtime Tennessee insider, is named executive director of basketball operations for the Lady Vols, bringing 12 years of experience and a softball background from Bradley University.
Tennessee announced Denise Jilka as executive director of basketball operations, highlighting her twelve‑year tenure and the support she received from head coach Kim Caldwell.
The Lady Vols add a complementary coaching mind to their staff, recruit a wave of portal talent, and aim to rebound from a winless stretch in the NCAA tournament.
Kim Caldwell appointed Denise Jilka as executive director of basketball operations, tapping a decade‑plus insider to lead logistics, academics and travel, while new assistants and a video strategist join the roster.
Denise Jilka, who has served the University of Tennessee for over a decade, will now oversee basketball operations, succeeding Catherine Greene, while Maggie Stanley continues to drive the program’s logistical efforts.
The University of Tennessee announces Denise Jilka's promotion to director of basketball operations, highlighting her extensive background in academic services and program continuity.