The team will be the first to tell you, the Lady Vols look a whole lot different this year. Schaquilla Nunn and Jordan Reynolds both graduated and three players left the program during the off season. That was Te'a Cooper and Alexa Middleton, who both transferred to different programs, and Diamond DeShields who left to play professionally overseas.
But, the talk surrounding this years squad is on that number one recruiting class . Not only are they bringing energy, they’re impressing their coaches and teammates.
"I think the freshman will have a really great year just because how hard they’re working, and how much I’ve seen so far from them," said senior forward Jaime Nared. "They could be really special."
"They’re stepping up to the challenge," said sixth-year head coach, Holly Warlick. They came in highly touted and I think they understand that. All these freshman are solid, they’re all going to play, they all have different aspects of their game that are great qualities for us.
Jaime Nared and Mercedes Russell are two seniors on the team this year, and Holly said they’ve both stepped up into leaderships roles and have helped to get the freshman up to speed.
The Lady Vols will take the court for the first time this season on Nov. 7 when they host Carson-Newman.