Fans only Insider: Tennessee exclusive on recruiting

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For those with the Super VIP Insider for Tennessee, congratulations; this exclusive is for you! No one, and we mean, no one, will be able to get this information but those who are Invite-only Super VIP Insiders for Tennessee.

So from now on, information will be here, so make sure you are constantly refreshing this page for the latest updates.

9/21/23

2:56 a.m. ET.

• As we previously unveiled in our Insider 2.0, Bryanna Preston has pledged her allegiance to Texas, a development we expect to hit the public domain shortly. The Lady Vols, spearheaded by Coach Kellie Harper, recently paid a visit to McKenna Woliczko. This visit, reported in our coverage a few weeks ago, went very well. We believe that the Lady Vols have carved a strong niche with this promising player.

• Thursday, Harper is scheduled to meet Sydney Douglas, who is being hailed as the next big sensation in women’s basketball. With her skills and athleticism drawing parallels to the legendary Candace Parker, Douglas is truly extraordinary! Standing tall at 6’5″-6’6″ and possessing guard skills, she has the potential to redefine the game. Stay glued to this page for an exclusive update on how this visit transpires.

• In the forthcoming weeks, the Lady Vols are planning to meet Maddyn Greenway, who currently holds the 16th rank in the class of 2026. This forward-thinking approach to recruitment underscores the Lady Vols’ commitment to fostering future talent.

• Circling back to the class of 2024, sources have tipped The Ball Out that the Lady Vols are very much in the mix with 5-star recruits Kayleigh Heckel and Zania Socka-Nguemen. There’s also a hint of a surprise recruit for this class, although we can’t reveal any specifics just yet. Stay connected as we continue to bring you the latest updates from the thrilling world of Tennessee Lady Vols’ recruiting

9/13/23 

3:43 p.m. ET.

• Over the last few weeks, there hasn’t been much contact between Aaliyah Crump and Tennessee; however, today, multiple sources tell The Ball Out that Crump’s mother reached out to the Lady Vols. We will keep you posted!

2:33 a.m. ET.

• Tennessee fans! Buckle up for an exciting ride as we delve into the world of women’s basketball recruiting. The Tennessee Lady Vols have been making some power moves and shaking up the recruiting scene with their strategic pursuits. The team has not only visited Nyla Brooks today but also set their sights on 2027 guard, Qandace Samuels. But they’re not stopping there. Tomorrow the Lady Vols are scheduled to visit Sanai Green from the class of 2026, and Zania Socka-Nguemen, a 5-star player who recently made an official visit to Tennessee, according to reliable sources. But wait, there’s more! On Thursday, they’re planning to see 2025 5-star prospect Janiyah Williams. And here’s a fresh twist: Taliyah Henderson, a 4-star guard from Arizona, has emerged on their radar. The Ball Out sources reveal that Tennessee had a conversation with Henderson tonight, and she seems to have a soft spot for the Lady Vols. As these developments unfold, one thing becomes clear: the Tennessee Lady Vols are not just players on the court; they’re strategic players in the world of women’s basketball recruiting. Their targeted approach and dedication to nurturing talent promise a bright future for the team. Stay tuned as we continue to bring you the latest updates on the Tennessee Lady Vols’ recruiting targets for 2025 and beyond. The game is heating up, and we can’t wait to see how it all plays out! Keep checking out this page.

9/11/23

10:27 a.m. ET.

• The Tennessee Lady Vols’ coaching ensemble is fervently crisscrossing the nation’s highways and byways in a relentless pursuit of prospective stars this month. Their itinerary this week includes the prodigious Addison Bjorn and the skillful Addie Deal, two promising talents who are sure to invigorate the team’s lineup. As the calendar flips to the next week, the journey continues, leading them to the formidable McKenna Woliczko and the 8th-grade wunderkind, Sydney Douglas. The latter, despite her tender years, has already begun to cause ripples in the basketball sorority with her exceptional skills. As the month draws to a close, Rocky Top – the beloved home of the Lady Vols – will play host to Bella Ragone. This 5-star guard, with her impeccable performance and relentless drive, is set to visit on the 30th, as sources tell The Ball Out. And just when you thought the excitement couldn’t escalate further, we have another name to watch – Divine Bourrage. This 5-star guard from Iowa is gearing up for an unofficial sojourn to Tennessee in the coming weeks, according to our sources. These rigorous recruitment efforts underscore the commitment of the Lady Vols’ coaching staff to foster a team that is not only talented but also embodies the spirit of the game. With such promising prospects on the horizon, the future of the Tennessee Lady Vols appears brighter than ever.

• As you all can see, we are updating a lot! So make sure to tell people that they should become an Insider!

9/10/23

9:30 p.m. ET.

• Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you’ve all been waiting for is finally here. Brace yourselves as we unveil the latest update on the weekend’s developments. According to exclusive sources at The Ball Out, we regret to inform you that no commitments were made during. However, fear not, for all hope is not lost. In the realm of prospects, Tennessee stands tall, basking in the glow of promising possibilities with not one, not two, but three exceptional talents. While we cannot predict the future with absolute certainty, our informed The Ball Out sources lead us to believe that Bryanna Preston and Zania Socka-Nguemen are the prime contenders for potential commitments. But here’s the twist: brace yourselves for some eyebrow-raising news. Our sources have revealed a fascinating twist in the tale. It appears that every single school vying for Socka-Nguemen’s attention has resorted to negative recruiting against Tennessee. Yes, you heard it right. ALL of them! In the face of such relentless opposition, Tennessee’s resilience shines through. Despite the challenges, the Lady Vols have managed to secure a strong position in the pursuit of these exceptional talents. So, hold your breath, keep those fingers crossed, and stay tuned as we embark on this enthralling journey together. The stakes are high, the competition fierce, but Tennessee’s unwavering pursuit of greatness may just triumph in the end.
• Tennessee is going to visit Maddy Greenway and Jordan Ode tomorrow, multiple sources tell The Ball Out.

9/5/23

4:09 p.m. ET.

• Tennessee head coach Kellie Harper is going to see 5-star post Zania Socka-Nguemen and 5-star guard Kayleigh Heckel this week, sources tell The Ball Out.

9/4/23

8:02 p.m. ET.

• Let’s dive into the world of college basketball recruiting from our perspective, starting with a player who has certainly made waves – Clara Silva. We believe it’s vital to state upfront that this is purely our viewpoint; she doesn’t quite hit the mark as a 5-star talent. Rather, we see her as a work-in-progress, a diamond in the rough that needs considerable polishing. And, if we’re being brutally honest, we think the Tennessee Lady Vols might have overreached in their recruitment efforts for her. Add to this the fact that UConn was initially interested in her, and it inflated the perception that she was some sort of game-changer on the court. But let’s set the record straight: is she a good player with potential? Absolutely. Is she a game-changer right now? Not quite. One tidbit that caught our attention – according to The Ball Out sources, Silva was apparently unhappy about not being able to don the jersey during her visit. This act might come off as a touch prima donna-ish, hinting at an entitled mindset. We have to underscore this point: the Lady Vols need to step up their game in high school recruiting. It’s not a matter of debate. They need to focus on discovering players who have a genuine affinity for Tennessee, and who aren’t just playing games with the recruitment process. Now, let’s shift gears to what’s on the horizon. Our sources indicate that the Lady Vols are planning visits with Bryanna Preston and Bella Ragone on Wednesday. Moreover, we’ve heard that McKenna Woliczko, a top-5 superstar of the 2026 class, recently had an extensive chat with Head Coach Kellie Harper. This could be a sign of interesting things to come.

2:31 a.m. ET. 

• Clara Silva has pledged her allegiance to Virginia Tech. This news, which we initially reported in the Insider, has sent ripples across the college basketball community. Silva’s commitment to Virginia Tech was not without its share of controversy. Rumors are swirling that she was enticed with a $50,000 NIL deal, a promise that teeters on the brink of impossibility given her international status. Adding fuel to the fire, The Ball Out Insider sources suggest that Hokies coach Kenny Brooks and his staff lured Silva with the promise of family housing. Silva’s recruitment journey was far from straightforward. Initially, many speculated that she was leaning towards Tennessee. However, as the weeks rolled on without a commitment, doubts began to creep in here at The Ball Out that this was the case. A mysterious international advisor was involved, adding another layer of intrigue. Silva’s mother, Sophia, also came under scrutiny for her seemingly ambitious agenda for her daughter’s career, and having her hands out subtly. Looking back at Tennessee’s approach, it appears they may have misread the situation. They invested significant time and effort in courting Silva, without securing a firm commitment. The Lady Vols also seemed to underestimate the influence of Silva’s advisor, who evidently didn’t have the clout to steer Silva towards Tennessee. Stinging from the loss, Tennessee will need to reevaluate its recruitment strategy. In our view, they’ve been too accommodating, allowing potential recruits to visit without a commitment. This is a costly mistake they can ill afford to repeat. However, in the world of college basketball recruitment, there’s no time for dwelling on past missteps. Looking ahead, the Lady Vols are set to host a trio of star recruits: 5-star post Zania Socka-Nguemen, 5-star guard Kayleigh Heckel, and 4-star guard Bryanna Preston.

9/3/23

12:15 a.m. ET.

• In the world of women’s basketball, Tennessee Lady Vols are making strategic moves. Bryanna Preston, a name to watch, is set to receive a visit from the team on Wednesday, ahead of her official sojourn this weekend, sources tell The Ball Out.
• Last week, dawn barely broke when Head Coach Kellie Harper was found at an open gym, scouting talent at 6:30 a.m. ET. The early bird certainly catches the worm, and in this case, the worm was Zakiyah Johnson. Later that day, Harper continued her search for future stars with a visit to Darianna Alexander. Both Johnson and Alexander are top-5 prospects in the class of 2025, proving that Harper is not one to rest on laurels.
• The coming weekend promises to be a significant one for the Lady Vols. They are expecting two 5-star prospects who will accompany Preston: Zania Socka-Nguemen (ranking at No. 25) and Kayleigh Heckel (just behind at No. 26), according to reliable sources. In the high-stakes game of recruiting, the Tennessee Lady Vols are playing their cards right, setting their sights on promising talent and doing what it takes to secure the best for their team.”

8/24/23

4:33 p.m. ET.

• One of the fastest-rising juniors in the country, Holland Harris, is taking an unofficial visit to Tennessee this weekend, sources tell The Ball Out.

8/22/23

12:38 a.m. ET.

• One of the top centers in the 2024 class is Portugal’s Clara Silva, and we believe she is close to making her decision based on talking to numerous sources.

General update:

8/6/23

1:03 a.m. ET.

• Alright, Tennessee fans, time for some behind-the-scenes intel. I know you’ve been scratching your heads over the Imari Berry recruitment saga, so let’s unravel this mystery. Tennessee kept inviting Berry for unofficial visits, and guess what? She never showed up, not even once. And who was responsible for bringing her? Her AAU coach Anja Shelton. Now, this is where things get interesting. Shelton showed up to a game against Florida without Berry. Yes, you heard it right! We dug a little deeper and found out that Shelton had her heart set on Clemson. So much so that she wouldn’t let Berry visit any other school that could potentially sway her away. Clemson’s head coach, Amanda Butler, doesn’t exactly have an impressive record, but here’s the catch – she used to coach at Austin Peay, where Shelton currently works. Coincidence? We think not. Berry was supposed to officially visit Tennessee twice and canceled both times. Instead, she visited Clemson first (surprise, surprise) and committed there. Despite Tennessee’s best efforts to have Berry reconsider, Shelton relayed a message to the Lady Vols that Berry wanted to cancel her visit. And how did Tennessee find out about Berry’s decision to commit to Clemson? Through social media. Ouch! There’s even talk of Shelton moving to Clemson. We can’t confirm if these rumors are true, but it does add another layer to this intriguing story. In our opinion, it’s a shame that Berry wasn’t given the chance to explore other options. It’s a sad situation indeed, and we can only hope for the best for all parties involved.

8/5/23

1:10 p.m. ET.

• Imari Berry is committing to Clemson publicly today, a shocking decision that is sure to send waves through the women’s basketball world. Ranked as the No. 7 player nationwide by ESPN, Berry had a constellation of offers from high-profile teams like South Carolina, UConn, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Louisville, Ohio State, and more. Following a single official visit, Berry committed immediately to the Tigers, much to the delight of her AAU coach Anja Shelton. Stay tuned for an exclusive inside scoop on her recruiting journey, only on The Ball Out. Also, Tennessee fans, this IS NOT at all the Lady Vols’ fault, and we can’t emphasize that enough! Shelton made sure to see that Berry didn’t visit Tennessee. Sources alleged that Shelton is getting something from Clemson because Shelton wouldn’t let Berry visit ANY OTHER schools officially but Clemson.

8/4/23

12:27 a.m. ET.

• Get ready for an exciting official visit from Portugal’s very own superstar, Clara Silva! According to reliable The Ball Out sources, her visit kicks off tomorrow with Tennessee through the weekend. After Tennessee, Clara will be heading to Louisville and Maryland for more visits. Stay tuned for all the latest updates!

8/1/23

4:49 p.m. ET.

• Let’s just say that we love Tennessee’s chances to land South Carolina transfer Talaysia Cooper!

7/30/23

8:01 p.m. ET.

• Attention, Tennessee VIP Insiders! Brace yourselves for a flurry of exciting updates coming your way. Portuguese sensation Clara Silva is all set to grace Tennessee with an official visit next weekend, according to our reliable sources at The Ball Out. As you’re well aware, we at The Ball Out pride ourselves on delivering the truth, no holds barred. Our seasoned sources strongly believe that the Lady Vols are in prime position to secure the talents of the second-best center in the 2024 class. But let’s not stop there; we’ve got some noteworthy updates on the 2025 class as well. Tennessee seems to have struck gold with the recent offer to Keeley Parks, the dynamo out of Oklahoma. Ranked the No. 8 player in her class, Parks has shown significant interest in the Lady Vols. A fresh name catching our ears is Addie Deal – and trust us, her game is as impressive as her reputation. This 5-star guard hailing from sunny California, currently ranked No. 12, has piqued the interest of Tennessee scouts. Don’t be surprised if the Lady Vols extend an offer to Deal in the coming days based on our network intel. As we delve deeper into the 2025 prospects, sources reveal that Tennessee is setting their sights on several potential recruits: Aaliyah Chavez (No. 1), Parks, Aaliyah Crump (No. 9), Leah Macy (No. 11 – although Macy seems to be sliding down the Lady Vols’ preference list), Deal, Janiyah Williams (No. 16), and the rapidly ascending Holland Harris (No. 51). Stay tuned and keep refreshing this page to stay abreast of all the latest happenings!

7/21/23

2:11 p.m. ET.

• Attention, Tennessee VIP Insiders! We’ve got exclusive insider information that you won’t find anywhere else. Brace yourselves because we’ve got another shocking revelation about Imari Berry’s AAU coach, Anja Shelton. Brace yourselves, folks; things are about to get real! Let’s cut to the chase. The Lady Vols have been bending over backwards to bring Berry onto their campus. But unfortunately, it seems like Shelton, Berry’s coach, is not exactly the honorable type. And to top it off, she seems to have a major soft spot for Clemson. Yikes! Now, we’ve got sources, multiple sources, mind you, that have spilled the beans on Shelton’s shenanigans. It seems that every time the Lady Vols made a move to get Berry on campus, Shelton would come up with some excuse or another. Very fishy, don’t you think? Here’s the kicker – Berry was actually supposed to visit Tennessee, not once, but twice! First in July and then in August, right after she committed to Clemson. But here’s the twist – based on our extensive network of top-notch sources, we’re starting to doubt whether Berry will ever step foot on the Lady Vols’ campus. So there you have it, folks. The Tennessee VIP Insiders always get the inside scoop. Stay tuned for more thrilling updates on this unbelievable saga.

7/11/23

12:13 p.m. ET.

• 2025 prospect Holland Harris is a name to watch for, as she has had a great evaluation period. We wouldn’t be surprised to see Tennessee offer her in the very near future, multiple sources tell The Ball Out.

7/4/23

12:26 a.m. ET.

• Get ready for some surprising news – the Lady Vols are still in the running for the top-ranked player in the nation, Joyce Edwards. We’ve got insider info from sources that Tennessee is heading to Spain to see Edwards, along with promising recruit Clara Silva. Mark your calendars because Silva will be visiting Rocky Top in early August. Plus, we’ve heard whispers of great communication between Tennessee and South Carolina transfer Talaysia Cooper. Don’t miss out on all the action happening in Tennessee!

6/30/23

3:05 a.m. ET.

• Multiple sources tell The Ball Out that Talayshia Cooper has been in contact with Tennessee, and things are heating up between them. However, considering the Lady Vols’ track record in recruiting, we recommend staying cautious and not getting too excited just yet. There is definitely mutual interest, but let’s see how it plays out.

6/29/23

1:08 a.m. ET.

• Get ready, Insiders! We’ve got the exclusive scoop on Taylasia Cooper. It’s been a hectic day, and we know you’ve been eagerly waiting for this update. Well, the wait is over! We’ve got the inside track on the latest developments with Cooper. Multiple sources tell The Ball Out that there is a genuine mutual interest between Cooper and Tennessee. But hold your horses, it’s still early days, so don’t start celebrating just yet. When it comes to Tennessee’s recruiting process, it’s always better to exercise caution rather than get too carried away. Our trusted sources have revealed that the Lady Vols have a unique approach to recruiting. And that’s not all! We’re hearing some intriguing news about Cooper’s preferences. She’s genuinely interested in not just one, but two schools: Tennessee and Florida State. If we had to guess, her top choice is Tennessee, but always proceed with caution. Make sure to bookmark this page and check back multiple times a day. We promise to keep you updated on all the latest developments regarding Taylasia Cooper. You won’t want to miss a single detail!

6/24/23

10:42 p.m. ET.

• Breaking news from The Ball Out sources that will send shockwaves through the college basketball world if this holds true, as Imari Berry, the nation’s No. 7 recruit, has committed to Clemson. This is sure to be a huge disappointment for Tennessee, who have missed out on the coveted prospect. With Berry now bound for Clemson, the Lady Vols have some serious work to do in the recruiting department if they hope to compete at the highest level. If what we hear is true, the loss of Berry will sting, but it also provides a valuable lesson for Tennessee to double down on its forays into the recruiting world. Time will tell if the Lady Vols can recover and bounce back stronger than ever before.

6/15/23

8 p.m. ET.

• Lauren Hurst, a rising star in the class of 2025, is visiting the Tennessee Lady Vols on the 30th, multiple sources tell The Ball Out. The 6’3″ guard/forward has quickly gained recognition for her athleticism and skill, with many considering her one of the top prospects in women’s basketball. She has already received offers from several top programs across the nation, and her visit to the Lady Vols could be a sign of things to come. If we had to guess, we believe that Hurst will be offered a scholarship on this visit, but that’s speculation on our part. It will be interesting to see how things play out for Hurst in the coming months as she continues her recruitment process.

6/11/23

3:35 a.m. ET.

• It’s time for Tennessee Lady Vols fans to get excited! We have some very special visitors coming to campus soon, and we can already see the future of women’s basketball on Rocky Top! Multiple sources tell The Ball Out that Maddyn Greenway, a top-15 recruit in the 2026 class, is taking an official visit to Tennessee on the 23rd! Greenway is a highly sought-after player, and our sources in Minnesota think that the Lady Vols are leading the charge for her.
• This is not the only exciting news either! On the 27th, 5-star guard and No.7 recruit in the 2024 class, Imari Berry, is taking her official visit to Tennessee! Don’t forget to bookmark this page and check it often because we will be updating you with any further developments in the recruiting process! Go Lady Vols!

6/7/23

1:06 a.m. ET.

• Exclusive insider sources reveal a new development in the recruitment of 5-star point guard, Kayleigh Heckel, and Tennessee. The Lady Vols are believed to have a stronger connection to Heckel than previously thought, making this a situation to closely monitor. We will keep you posted.

Tennessee Lady Vols recruiting

6/5/23

8:02 p.m. ET.

• The excitement surrounding women’s basketball never seems to subside, and with the new ESPN rankings now public, fans everywhere are eagerly discussing the latest rankings. Fortunately for our Insiders, we were the first ones to break the news! Among the players to watch is Maddyn Greenway, a quick-footed guard from Minnesota who ranks at No. 15 in the 2026 class. According to our sources, Greenway has her sights set on Tennessee and will be taking an official visit to the Lady Vols sometime in late June. And while it’s still early days, it seems as though Tennessee has already captured Greenway’s heart. With this being her second unofficial visit to the program, it’s clear that the Lady Vols have made quite an impression on the rising star. Tennessee fans, keep your eyes on Maddyn Greenway!

1:26 a.m. ET.

• Tennessee is making moves in the world of women’s basketball recruitment, with big names on their radar for the 2025 and 2026 classes. Among those who have been in contact with the Lady Vols are Aaliyah Crump, Janiyah Williams, McKenna Woliczko, and Addison Bjorn. And it seems that Woliczko is especially keen, having recently reached out to head coach Kellie Harper personally. But that’s not all – according to our sources, the Lady Vols are also in contact with some serious top talent for the 2025 class, including Jasmine Davidson (ranked #1), ZaKiyah Johnson (ranked #2), Aaliyah Chavez (ranked #3), Aaliyah Crump (ranked #9), Janiyah Williams (ranked #14), and Leah Macy (ranked #15). Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting developments in women’s college basketball!

6/4/23

1:56 p.m. ET.

• According to exclusive The Ball Out sources, the buzz is 2025 prospect F/G Lauren Hurst is putting the final touches on an unofficial visit to Tennessee this June. Sources predict that Hurst will earn an offer from the formidable Lady Vols soon enough – and we’re betting that will put the Vols at the top of Hurst’s list!

6/2/23

11:56 p.m. ET.

• Get ready, Lady Vols fans! We have some breaking news on the potential 2024 class recruits. Sources tell The Ball Out that Tennessee has its eyes on Mikayla Blakes and Kayleigh Heckel. Although we believe they are long shots (Blakes and Heckel), the 2025 class is where it’s at. We can confidently say that the Lady Vols are putting in work to secure some top talent. They have already spoken with Aaliyah Crump, Janiyah Williams, and Leah Macy – all highly-ranked ESPN players, according to our sources. The buzz is that they have a great chance to land all three, and we expect them to snag Macy soon. Plus, Janiyah Williams’ dad is ALL IN on Tennessee, a not-so-secret fact among women’s basketball insiders. The team is also showing interest in local star Lauren Hurst, who has been dominating the circuit. Keep an eye out for her upcoming offer from the Lady Vols. Keep refreshing this page, updates will be coming fast and furious!

6/1/23

4:26 p.m. ET.

• Attention, Tennessee Lady Vols basketball aficionados! While our Tennessee forums have been buzzing with action, we’re bringing the excitement here as well. Keep an eye out for more updates on women’s basketball recruiting and the Tennessee Lady Vols! Imari Berry, Tennessee’s top target for the 2024 class, now holds the No. 7 spot in Premier Basketball’s rankings – the masterminds behind ESPN’s ratings (though not yet updated on ESPN). Berry has narrowed her choices down to two schools: the Lady Vols and Clemson, according to multiple sources at The Ball Out. Ole Miss made a major effort to woo Berry with money, but it seems their aggressive approach backfired. The Lady Vols’ other top prospects for 2024 include Clara Sofia Vieitas Ferreira Da Silva (considered by some as the best post in the 2024 class), Bryanna Preston, Madisen McDaniel, and Zania Socka-Nguemen. Our crystal ball predicts that Tennessee will likely land three out of these four remaining targets. So, stay tuned for more thrilling news in the world of women’s basketball recruiting and the Tennessee Lady Vols! Keep refreshing this page!

Tennessee Lady Vols recruiting (2023 class)

9/27/22: Tennessee is still in the mix to land Aalyah Del Rosario and S’Mya Nichols. Del Rosario had a great time at Tennessee! Things are trending in the right direction, but we will be cautious as things can change at any second in recruiting. If someone asks us right now, where do we think she will land, right now, it would be the Lady Vols. Also, many are concerned about NIL, especially when we have reported in our Super VIP forum that LSU head coach Kim Mulkey has offered $250,000. The Lady Vols are stepping up; we will leave it at that! Now onto Nichols; we believe it’s between Tennessee and Kansas. In a recent article in KUSports.com, it said “Nichols’ connection to Kansas goes beyond the school being close to home. She played AAU basketball for the Missouri Phenom program that current KU assistant coach Terry Nooner started, and fellow-KU assistant Karyla Middlebrook’s father, Reggie, currently is the club’s director. Karyla played for the Phenom program, as well.” So, we believe that’s the ONLY reason Kansas is in this is because of the Missouri Phenom. We can report exclusively that the Lady Vols spoke with Nichols on Sunday after her visit to Kansas. Right now, we believe Tennessee will ultimately get Nichols, but it’s battle between the Lady Vols and the Jayhawks. Also, 2024 prospects, Allie Ziebell (No. 9) and Morgan Cheli (No. 28) are visiting the Lady Vols for an unofficial visit.

7/10/22: Bad news as S’Mya Nichols has torn her ACL, sources tell The Ball Out. It happened last week; this is her second torn ACL in high school. We believe Tennessee will keep recruiting her, but we aren’t sure. This is a bad break for the Lady Vols as they prioritized Nichols over Qadence Samuels, who recently committed to UConn.

7/5/22: Quite the update on this one, and this can’t be hinted at ANYWHERE! Tennessee is in a GREAT position with the best center in the 2023 class: Aalyah Del Rosario. We are hearing that she and her teammate, Angelica Velez, COULD commit to the Lady Vols by the middle of July, sources tell The Ball Out. Now, things can change instantly; however, based on what we are hearing, the Lady Vols are in a great position!

7/3/22: Big update right here before 4th of July. The official visit with Aalyah Del Rosario and Angelica Velez went very well, sources tell The Ball Out. Del Rosario is down to Tennessee, South Carolina, LSU, and North Carolina. We believe they are a package deal regardless of the school. The Lady Vols are hoping they don’t visit any more schools. S’Mya Nichols will be taking an official visit to Knoxville in July, sources tell us. In our opinion, we believe Nichols will end up committing as we know Tennessee is her dream school, and the Lady Vols have been recruiting her very hard! When it comes to 2024, the Lady Vols will go hard after Imari Berry, the 5-foot-10 G out of Clarksville. And one last bit of information in the update: Rickea Jackson is turning heads in practice! She is as advertised and then some! Tennessee knew she was good, but she’s doing things that are catching the attention of the coaches — and players!

6/26/22: Aalyah Del Rosario and Angelica Velez are visiting Tennessee tomorrow on an official visit. We believe the Lady Vols are in a great position to land both. Right now, we think they’re frontrunner. We are starting to wonder about UConn’s seemingly fascination with Tennessee in recruiting. This is our opinion; we do not believe they really wanted Samuels like that, BUT her being a top target for the Lady Vols makes us think that played a part in UConn going aggressively after Samuels. Now, as mentioned before, Tennessee backed off of Samuels quite a bit the past few months.

6/24/22: Qadence Samuels has eliminated Tennessee, multiple sources tell The Ball Out. She called the Lady Vols yesterday to inform them of the news. Tennessee was lukewarm over Samuels after the last evaluation period. The Lady Vols are much higher on S’Mya Nichols and Madison Booker.

6/21/22: S’Mya Nichols is visiting Tennessee in July, sources tell The Ball Out. The Lady Vols are in a great position with Aalyah Del Rosario and could be the lead school for her ever since Tennesee’s home visit with her in March. Also, a new name Tennessee is recruiting for 2024 is 5-star F Jordan Lee, sources tell The Ball Out.

6/12/22: Rickea Jackson got $20,000 in her NIL deal with Orange Mountain Designs, sources tell The Ball Out. The NIL rules are paying off for Tennessee. Remember, at its peak, Tennessee could get the best of the best while other schools were paying. Now that the playing field is level, the Lady Vols will be a tough team to beat for kids they want. Also, elite camp starts today, we will let you know what top prospects are there later on.

6/3/22: Our gut instinct: we would be SHOCKED if S’Mya Nichols doesn’t end up at Tennessee.

6/2/22: The names we hear the most in the 2023 class for Tennessee are Aalyah Del Rosario, S’Mya Nichols, and Madison Booker, sources tell The Ball Out. Qadence Samuels, Angelica Velez,  and Delaney Thomas are still in the mix. However, they have stopped recruiting Milaysia Fulwiley.

5/26/22: To our surprise, Jadyn Donovan is not that high on Tennessee’s recruiting hierarchy, multiple sources tell The Ball Out. The Lady Vols aren’t that impressed with Donovan and have scaled back their recruiting of her. Look for Notre Dame and Duke to be at the top of Donovan’s list. Another name to watch out for is Delaney Thomas, as Thomas and Tennessee spoke earlier this week, sources tell The Ball Out.

5/25/22: The updated 2023 rankings are out, and Jadyn Donovan is now up to No. 3 in the country. She’s visiting in early June, and if we had to guess, the Lady Vols will pick it up when it comes to Donovan. As we mentioned in our last update, McGhee is not being recruited by Tennessee anymore. She fell many spots in the updated rankings; McGhee is now No. 42, while Qadence Samuels has flown up to No. 35 in the country. Based on what sources tell us, S’Mya Nichols is one of their top-3 targets, and now Nichols is a 5-star! We believe the Lady Vols lead for Nichols.

5/16/22: Olivia McGhee’s trainer called Tennessee last week, but the Lady Vols did not return the call as they are no longer recruiting her. McGhee turned off the staff as she promised she would visit during the season but never did. Now that Tennessee has moved on, and we believe that McGhee always wanted to go to Tennessee, she is trying to get them back to recruiting her, but that won’t happen, sources tell The Ball Out. Also, Maddie Scheer finally announced her commitment to Kentucky over the weekend. However, that’s not where she wanted to go; she wanted to go to Tennessee, per our sources. Her AAU coach implied to the Lady Vols that they would land her if they got back in, but Tennessee had no interest. The Lady Vols will be in Dallas and Birmingham this week to look at Madison Booker and Aalyah Del Rosario.

5/12/22: The dead period is over, so here is some new information. Top-10 2023 prospect Jadyn Donovan is slated to take an official visit to Tennessee in June, sources tell The Ball Out. Also, 2023 prospect Olivia McGhee reached out to the Lady Vols again, but they are not recruiting McGhee anymore.

5/6/22: This week is the dead period, but Tennessee is the hot team when it comes to recruiting circles. Just think about it, the Lady Vols turned down Angel Reese, Saniya Rivers, Maddie Scheer, and Ra Shaya Kyle. So get ready, because once the dead period ends on Sunday, things will pick up! We feel that S’Mya Nichols could be the first one to commit from the 2023 class. We know that Tennessee is the only school that has had a home visit with Nichols.

5/1/22: Tennessee was supposed to have an official visit with Jadyn Donovan and Delaney Thomas this weekend, but something came up with Donovan’s mother. Ironically, because of the fantastic success, the Lady Vols have had in the portal, they have been contemplating dropping both of them before this week, sources tell The Ball Out. The decision to cut both Donovan and Thomas has not been made, but it’s something that’s being contemplated. Additionally, we know that Tennessee has dropped Chloe Clardy. The Lady Vols’ top targets for 2023 are Aalyah Del Rosario, Madison Booker, and S’Mya Nichols. Qadence Samuels is still in the mix as well. If we had to guess, we believe that Tennessee is in the lead for Del Rosario, Nichols, and Samuels.

4/30/22: In light of Hollingshead’s commitment, Tennessee had to turn down the commitment of 2023 forward Alyssa Latham, sources tell The Ball Out. Latham attempted to commit to the Lady Vols, but they will not be able to take her with Hollingshead committing. Also, multiple sources tell The Ball Out that Jasmine Franklin’s former coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton, who is now at Virginia, was furious at Frankling for not following her to Virginia. In addition, coaches are angry at Tennessee’s success in recruiting. We also know that Texas A&M head coach Joni Taylor had no idea that the Lady Vols were in the mix for Hollingshead.

4/28/22: Jillian Hollingshead called Joni Taylor yesterday to cancel her visit to Texas A&M, and Taylor didn’t take it well, multiple sources tell The Ball Out. From what sources tell us, Taylor was furious with Hollingshead for not coming on the visit and choosing Tennessee. Hollingshead’s decision to be a Lady Vol caught Taylor and her staff completely off-guard. Hollingshead is thrilled with her decision to go to Tennessee, sources tell The Ball Out. Also, Jasmine Franklin will be taking her official visit this week.

4/27/22:

• 5:33 p.m. update: Jillian Hollingshead will be a Lady Vol, multiple sources tell The Ball Out. We never say anything publicly regarding commits out of respect for the player and family. And while you all have been EXCEPTIONAL in not saying anything or hinting at it, keep it up. We are letting you know about this news because we have sources everywhere and NOTHING said here has even been hinted at — we are so proud!
• As we reported publicly today about Saniya Rivers not coming to Tennessee, we will explain why it’s not happening. Even though we believe she wanted to play for the Lady Vols, her family was determined to make sure Rivers visited multiple schools. And because Tennessee has only one scholarship left, moreover, with Hollingshead being a realistic option, they couldn’t wait on Rivers. Various sources tell us that Rivers was disappointed that the Lady Vols chose to go in a different direction. Onto Hollingshead, we will say that we believe it’s about a 90% chance she ends up in Knoxville. However, with her taking a visit to Texas A&M this weekend, will she be able to say No to her former coach? We shall see.

4/26/22: Things are looking good with McDonald’s All-American and UGA freshman transfer Jillian Hollingshead, sources tell The Ball Out. 2024 prospect Olivia Olson visited Tennessee today. And based on what we hear, 2023 target S’Mya Nichols played phenomenally this weekend on the AAU circuit, and she is a priority for the Lady Vols. Also, 2023 prospect Sarah Rambus reached out to Tennessee to get back in the mix with them after cutting the Lady Vols last fall; however, Tennessee has no interest in Rambus.

4/24/22: We expect Jillian Hollingshead to be the next commit for Tennessee. However, especially in the case of the Lady Vols, things can change quickly in recruiting. Because if someone had told us that Saniya Rivers would not be in the mix, we wouldn’t have believed it. Also, we want to reiterate that this can’t be hinted at or implied because we want to respect the young lady’s moment. Again, she HAS not committed yet, but we expect that to be the case in the coming days. If she does commit, it’s going to SHOCK women’s college basketball as NO ONE will see this coming. She’s a rare talent at 6’5″.

4/21/22:

• In a stunning development, Saniya Rivers will not be visiting Tennessee, multiple sources tell The Ball Out.

4/18/22:

• 11:49 p.m. ET: Tennessee dropped Maddie Scherr and Ra Shaya Kyle tonight, multiple sources tell The Ball Out. They are now focused on Saniya Rivers and Jillian Hollingshead. Both Rivers and Hollingshead will be visiting in the next week, sources tell us. If we had to guess, we believe Hollingshead would be the first to commit to the Lady Vols.
• Tennessee is very much in the mix for ex-Georgia center Jillian Hollingshead, sources tell The Ball Out.

4/16/22:

• Two of the top 2023 prospects, Jadyn Donovan and Delaney Thomas, are taking an official visit to Tennessee at the end of this month, sources tell The Ball Out. Also, keep refreshing this page; we might have an update on Saniya Rivers later on!

4/15/22:

• 3:23 p.m. ET: Saniya Rivers has spoken with head coach Kellie Harper, multiple sources tell The Ball Out. Also, sources tell us that Tennessee is pursuing the Missouri State post, Jasmine Franklin. The Lady Vols are pushing hard to land Franklin who played for Harper at Missouri State.
• As we mentioned on the 12th, we heard again that Saniya Rivers was going to go into the portal, and she made it official yesterday. Tennessee is in the mix, along with LSU, UNC, and NC State.

4/13/22: Georgia freshman transfer Jillian Hollingshead has an interest in Tennessee, multiple sources tell The Ball Out.

4/12/22: We are hearing some rumblings again when it comes to Saniya Rivers and that she could hit the portal after not doing so last week. We are skeptical, but that’s what we are hearing right now. Also, Oregon transfer Maddie Scherr is coming on an official visit to Tennessee next Tuesday, sources tell The Ball Out.

4/11/22: Ra Shaya Kyle spoke with Tennessee today, sources tell The Ball Out.

4/10/22: Former 5-star recruit and Oregon transfer Maddie Scherr will be visiting Tennesee in the next couple of weeks, sources tell The Ball Out. Ex-Purdue center Ra Shaya Kyle will also be visiting the Lady Vols this month. And in some huge news, a top-10 recruit in 2023, Jadyn Donovan, will be taking an official visit to Rocky Top at the end of the month, multiple sources tell The Ball Out.

4/8/22: While multiple sources had told us that Saniya Rivers would enter the transfer portal, we no longer believe that will be the case. There’s a reason we didn’t report it publicly, as we at The Ball Out weren’t 100% sure she would. Her mother wants her to leave, but her father wants her to say. Sources tell us that they believed she “chickened out.”

4/6/22:

• 10:53 p.m. update – Tennessee officially turned down Reese today, sources tell The Ball Out. Also, Saniya Rivers is definitely going into the transfer portal, multiple sources tell us, and she is interested in the Lady Vols. So while Tennessee turned down Reese, they will pursue Rivers once she’s officially in the portal. Another player that Tennessee is targeting is Purdue center Ra Shaya Kyle.
• Maryland transfer Angel Reese really wants to go to Tennessee, however, multiple sources tell The Ball Out that the Lady Vols will not be recruiting Reese.

4/3/22: Tennessee has stopped recruiting 2023 prospect Olivia McGee, multiple sources tell The Ball Out. The Lady Vols recruiting has exploded with prospects who are either ranked higher than McGee or project better on the college level.

3/30/22: Head Coach Kellie Harper spoke with Oregon transfer Maddie Scherr yesterday, sources tell The Ball Out. Scherr was a 5-star recruit in the class of 2020. Tennessee finished second in her recruitment in 2020. Will things be different this time around?

3/28/22: Former players have reached out to the coaching staff, praising them for landing Rickea Jackson.

3/27/22: Tennessee did an in-home visit with 2023 prospect S’Mya Nichols on Friday, sources tell The Ball Out. We hear the visit went well, and this is a prospect to watch for a future commitment.

3/24/22: Tennessee had a home visit with Thomas, as we mentioned before, but they also met with Jadyn Donovan on Wednesday as well, sources tell The Ball Out. Sources also say that both visits went very well, too!

3/23/22: There is a chance that Jordan Horston could play this weekend; again, we hear there’s a chance. And regarding Rickea Jackson, Tennessee is still one of her finalists, sources tell The Ball Out.

3/17/22: Sources tell The Ball Out that LSU will be hosting Rickea Jackson this week.

3/16/22: Mike Carey retiring from West Virginia could benefit Tennessee. One of their committed recruits, Imarianah Russell, plans on de-committing from the Mountaineers. Sources tell The Ball Out that she wants to go to Tennessee. Russell is a 4-star prospect.

3/15/22: We are hearing that Alyssa Latham could be committing to Tennessee in the coming weeks, sources tell The Ball Out.

3/13/22: 2023 prospect 6-foot-4 Sarah Rambus, who released her top-10 schools in November, initially didn’t have Tennessee on her list. However, Rambus reached out to Tennessee today to let them know she wants the Lady Vols to recruit her. So for all the ignorant commentary that many assume about Tennessee’s recruiting, they have no idea. The Lady Vols are crushing it in the recruiting world.

Upcoming visits:

3/11/22: Sources tell The Ball Out that Tennessee visited 2025 super freshman and Miss Kentucky basketball winner Zakiyah Johnson.

3/10/22: Head coach Kellie Harper is in Minnesota to meet Jasmine Powell and Olivia Olson, sources tell The Ball Out.

Upcoming home visits:

1. 3/30/22: The Lady Vols have a visit with the nation’s No. 7 player in the 2023 class: Milaysia Fulwiley. Tennessee is making BIG moves on the recruiting trail! Update: This visit went well, too. So well that we are hearing that Tennessee is in Fulwiley’s top-2!
2. 3/29/22: Tennessee has a home visit with Aalyah Del Rosario, sources tell The Ball Out. Update: Tennessee believes they are No. 1 for Del Rosario after the visit. As of right now, the Lady Vols 2023 recruiting class could be monstrous!
3. 3/28/22: Tennessee will be doing a home visit with top-5 2023 prospect Madison Booker, sources tell The Ball Out. Update: The visit was SPECTACULAR, sources tell us. Tennessee is firmly in the mix with Booker!
4. 3/23/22: Tennessee will visit 2023 prospect Delaney Thomas, sources tell The Ball Out.
5. 3/22/22: We hear Tennessee has a home visit with 2023 post Essence Cody next week.
6. 3/14/22: Qadence Samuels – update on 3/15/22: the visit went “fantastic,” multiple sources tell The Ball Out
7. 3/12/22: Alyssa Latham – update on 3/13/22: the visit went perfect, sources tell The Ball Out).