KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Lady Vols are set to take on Green Bay in the first round of the NCAA tournament in Raleigh, North Carolina. Center Tamari Key will play in her home state for the first time in her college career on Saturday afternoon. When her family received the news on Selection Sunday, they were thrilled.
"I came back to my phone with a million and one text messages," Key said.
The redshirt senior is from Cary, North Carolina — just 12 miles from Raleigh. Tennessee head coach Kellie Harper says much of the excitement surrounding this year's tournament is her playing in front of 20-plus family and friends.
"Her family, in particular, wanted us to be able to play over there each year," Harper said. "I know she's excited, and it is a really great opportunity for Tamari."
Key's mentors growing up were her coaches and teachers from elementary to high school, so coming home and playing for the people she admired when she lived in North Carolina is special to her.
"A lot of people I grew up with back home aren't always able to get out here," Key said. "So, just to go home and be able to play for them, my old volleyball coach, my old basketball coach, my old teachers from elementary school — just everybody that kind of had an impact on my upbringing."
In her five-year career, Key has never played in her home state. Her friend and teammate Sara Puckett knows Key will impress family and friends, especially those who have never seen her play at the college level.
"To be able to finally get to play there within her five years here, I'm just really excited for her to put on a show for them," said Puckett.
Key was sidelined last season during the 2022-2023 NCAA tournament while dealing with severe blood clots in her lungs. Earlier this season, she slowly progressed each game she entered, but now, she starts in every game and plays vital minutes for the Lady Vols.
Key has worked all season to perform on the highest stage and it is a blessing for her to do so in front of so many loved ones.
"It means a lot. It's been a journey. I've just been resilient through it all. My teammates, my coaches, my family have all pushed me to get to these moments," Key said.
