The transition from college basketball to professional ball is never easy. However, for former Tennessee Lady Vols star Rickea Jackson, the journey was made a little easier due to unwavering support from her alma mater.
As a first-round WNBA draft pick now playing for the Los Angeles Sparks, Jackson remains deeply connected to Tennessee’s program. Not only that, but she also spoke about how the team has evolved under new head coach Kim Caldwell.
Rickea Jackson’s Perspective on Kim Caldwell’s Impact
Throughout this season, Rickea Jackson has observed a noticeable shift in the Tennessee Lady Volunteers’ playing style under Kim Caldwell’s leadership. However, after some initial surprises, she has come to appreciate Caldwell’s methods and how they are shaping the current roster.
“You can tell they love to be around her.”
I caught up with #LVFL and first-round WNBA draft pick Rickea Jackson (@iamthathooper).
She says HC Kim Caldwell’s relationship with her players is special, and this team has a shot to go far come March. #LadyVols pic.twitter.com/M8HBCyNaz1
— Emilie Rae Cochrane (@EmCochranetv) February 27, 2025
“I think now I’m finally getting used to the subbing,” Jackson noted in a recent interview. “If it’s working, it’s working, but it’s been fun to watch.”
Caldwell has quickly established herself as a coach with high expectations, demanding effort from her players while maintaining a genuine investment in their growth. Jackson admires how Caldwell balances her tough coaching style with personal care and motivation, ensuring her athletes feel supported both on and off the court.
“To have a coach who just cares about you as a person, but she also cares about the right things,” Jackson explained. “She has a great balance of, ‘I’m your coach, I’m not your friend, but I still have great energy.’ You can tell they love to be around her.”
Jackson believes Caldwell’s firm but fair approach naturally encourages players to connect with her. While she may not be the most outwardly affectionate coach, that very quality, according to Jackson, makes players want to break through her tough exterior and seek her approval even more.
“She just seems like one of those tough-nose coaches,” Jackson observed. “Not super affectionate, but her not being affectionate makes you want to give her a hug more.”
With the Lady Vols continuing to thrive under Caldwell’s system, Jackson remains an enthusiastic supporter. She firmly believes this Tennessee team has the potential to achieve something special. She also has full confidence in their ability to make a deep run in March Madness.
“I love the team. I love, you know, what they’ve been doing,” she said. “I just know they’re going to go far and win it all.”
Rickea Jackson’s Growing Presence in Unrivaled
While Jackson has been monitoring Tennessee’s progress, she has also been making waves in the professional circuit, particularly in the Unrivaled Basketball League. Recently, she showed off her offensive and defensive versatility in a series of competitive matchups.
Jackson, along with her fellow Sparks teammates, Dearica Hamby, and Rae Burell, delivered solid performances in Unrivaled action. While the results were mixed, Jackson demonstrated why she remains a promising talent in the professional ranks.
In a standout game for Team Mist against Laces, Jackson was instrumental in her squad’s dominant 65-49 victory. She finished with 12 points and eight rebounds, establishing herself as a reliable scoring option while also controlling the boards.
GOOD OLE ROCKY TOP: Legendary Tennessee Coach Heaps High Praise on Vols HC Kim Caldwell
Additionally, she made her presence felt on the defensive end with three impressive blocks, further proving her ability to impact the game on both sides of the floor.
However, her next outing wasn’t as smooth. In a tough 72-65 loss against Team Rose, Jackson struggled to find her rhythm. She shot just 2-of-9 from the field and finished with only four points.
Despite the rough game, her overall contributions in Unrivaled have been encouraging. The reps she is getting in this 3×3 format will only help her fine-tune her skills for when the WNBA season resumes. With the WNBA season on the horizon, Jackson will aim to build upon these experiences and translate them into success for the Los Angeles Sparks.
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