KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Lady Vol Rickea Jackson will play for the Volunteers next year.
Jackson announced her decision to stay on Monday, March 13.
"I am so grateful for my teammates and coaches and the endless bonds that I've created while being here," Jackson said. "I appreciate all the support from our amazing fans for making this transition to the University of Tennessee so worth it. But we are not done yet. I'm coming back for another year!"
This comes as a surprise as Jackson was a projected top-ten pick in the WNBA draft, according to ESPN.
Jackson was named to the All-SEC first team by the league's coaches. She leads UT in scoring with 19.6 points per game and field goal percentage at 55.2%. In SEC play, she has averaged 21.4 PPG.
Jackson is one of five finalists for the Cheryl Miller Award. The Mississippi State transfer will make her first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance when she and the Lady Vols host St. Louis on Saturday, March 18 at 1 p.m. Tennessee women's basketball was revealed as a No. 4 seed on Thursday and will have the chance to play at home for the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament.