The Tennessee Lady Vols women’s basketball program is maneuvering around the 2025 transfer portal window with what could best be described as strategic precision. They are balancing impactful arrivals with departures ahead of the upcoming season. Kim Caldwell is looking at every possible way to reshape her roster, with the portal set to close on April 22.
Tennessee has already secured a high-profile commitment while managing exits that reflect player development and competitive restructuring. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the latest movements and their implications for the Lady Vols.
Incoming Transfers For Tennessee
Nya Robertson’s Arrival from SMU
Tennessee’s most important portal addition to date is Nya Robertson, a 5’7” guard who committed to the Lady Vols on April 14 after a weekend visit to Knoxville.
Robertson, a Second Team All-ACC selection at SMU, comes with a proven scoring pedigree after averaging 18.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists/game during the 2024-25 season. Having the ability to create offense in isolation and off the dribble addresses a key need for Tennessee, as they lost starting guard Samara Spencer to graduation.
However, Robertson’s efficiency metrics warrant scrutiny. She shot just 32.5% from the field and 31.2% from three-point range at SMU, struggles exacerbated by her role as the primary option on a team that finished 10-20 and tied for last in the ACC.
Before her lone season at SMU, Robertson displayed more efficient play at George Washington, where she had a total average of 16.2 points/game on 37% shooting across two seasons. Caldwell’s up-tempo system, which emphasizes spacing and guard-minded transition play, could optimize Robertson’s strengths.
Robertson’s commitment represents Tennessee’s first portal acquisition of the offseason, signaling Caldwell’s intention to rebuild a backcourt that ranked seventh in the SEC in scoring last season. Her arrival also goes with the program’s strategy of going after experienced guards capable of contributing immediately.
Outgoing Transfers
Avery Strickland’s Departure to Belmont
Knoxville native Avery Strickland, a reserve guard, made her decision known to Belmont on April 13 after two seasons with the Lady Vols. She made limited contributions under Caldwell, averaging 1.9 points in 5.8 minutes per game during the 2024-2025 season.
Strickland joined the Bruins, a mid-major program in Nashville, in a quest for more playing time in her final colligate season. Her time with Tennessee was defined by a great contribution, including a 43.8% goal percentage and 30.4% three-point accuracy last season.
Favor Ayodele’s Portal Entry
Junior forward Favor Ayodele finds her way to the transfer portal on April 3 but remains uncommitted as of today. Ayodele, a 6’2” post player, played in 19 games last season, with an average of 1.3 points and 1.7 rebounds in 4.1 minutes/game.
Strategic Implications for 2025-2026
Caldwell’s first season at Tennessee yielded a 24-10 record, an upset over eventual national champion UConn, and a Sweet 16 appearance, which, of course, is best seen as a strong foundation for her system’s implementation. Robertson’s addition, of course, creates offensive versatility, but the persistent question is how she will fit alongside returning starters like Sara Puckett and Jewel Spear.
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The team’s portal activity also showcases Caldwell’s recruiting strategy: targeting guards with diverse scoring tools. As it stands, the staff must look into all the roster imbalances, more importantly in the frontcourt, where Ayodele’s departure leaves only Talaysia Cooper and Karoline Striplin as established post options.
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