Tennessee Volunteers women’s basketball

The Tennessee Volunteers women’s basketball team (colloquially known as the Lady Vols) is a college basketball program that has represented the University of Tennessee since 1974. The team competes in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and in the Southeastern Conference, playing their home games at Thompson-Boling Arena on UT’s campus in Knoxville, TN.

History

Tennessee first fielded a varsity women’s basketball program during the 1974–75 season with Margaret Hutson as head coach. Pat Summitt took over coaching duties for Tennessee prior to its inaugural 1975-76 season and led them until her retirement following 2011–12 season. During her tenure, she experienced unprecedented success leading teams to eight NCAA national championships — 1987, 1989, 1991–94 & 1998—and 1000+ career wins – more than any other NCAA Division 1 men’s or women’s collegiate coach ever – earning induction into both Naismith Hall Fame (2000) and Women Basketball Hall of Fame(1999). Following Summitt’s retirement Holly Warlick was named head coach; she served from 2012 through 2020 before being replaced by Kellie Harper who assumed duties effective April 30th 2020.

During its history under Summitt‘s leadership ,the Lady Vols amassed 18 conference titles spanning four different conferences: 9 SEC regular seasons titles; 5 SEC tournaments titles ; 3 Metro Conferences regular seasons title; 1 Metro Conferences tournament championship . Additionally they have made 34 total trips to NCAA Tournament including 23 Sweet 16 appearances ; 15 Elite Eight appearances ; 11 Final Four Appearances culminating with 8 National Championship victories

The recent era of lady vol hoops continued under Warlick producing 4 straight 20 win campaigns but only making single appearance each year between 2015 thru 2018 while also failing to reach an elite 8 game all together.. In 2019 after returning All American guard Evina Westbrook transferred out along with fellow starter Meme Jackson due largely to frustration within player management situation created by Warlicks departure was announced immediately after end of 2018/19 campaign leaving Tennesse desperate for change entering 2019/20 Season . That change came when Kellie Harper got hired away from Missouri State replacing warlick officially taking reign June 2nd becoming 6th Head Coach throughout programs 45 years existence

Players Notable players include Chamique Holdsclaw , Tamika Catchings , Candace Parker , Michelle Snow , Glory Johnson & Ariel Massengale Coaches see above section “History” Championships See Above Section : History “