Wednesday’s early signing day brought a clean sweep for Tennessee women’s basketball, as Kim Caldwell locked in signatures from both of her 2027 commitments.
Four-star prospects Maci Pringle and Amaya Manuel officially joined the Lady Vols’ incoming class, giving Tennessee two highly regarded additions before their college careers even begin. Pringle is ranked No. 21 in the class by Rivals, while Manuel checks in at No. 25 on ESPN. Pringle had already committed in October, and Manuel made her decision public Tuesday night.
Caldwell made it clear the staff sees more than rankings here. She said the program “worked extremely hard to identify the right fit as players and people for our program, and I believe we nailed it with these two future Lady Vols.”
She also pointed to the type of players Tennessee is bringing in and the kind of culture they’re stepping into. “We take pride in developing our players here, and both Maci and Amaya want to work and get better.
They both understand how hard it will be and what it means to be a Lady Vol, and that is extremely important to us. They both fit in so well with our team already, and I’m excited to coach them.”
Pringle, a 6-foot-1 guard/forward from Flower Mound, Texas, comes in with plenty of national attention. Rivals lists her at No. 21 overall, No. 3 among combo guards, and No. 2 in Texas.
ESPN has her at No. 33 nationally. She plays at Flower Mound High School.
Caldwell’s evaluation of Pringle centered on energy, effort and versatility. “Maci Stood out immediately because of how hard she plays every single possession.
She is an extremely high energy and effort player, and those are two things that we value in our program. Her athleticism and offensive rebounding ability are unmatched in the 2027 class.
She will be a weapon in our press. Maci fits us in every way, but what I am most excited about is she fits right in with our team.
Our fans are going to love her outgoing and energetic personality as much as they will love what she does on the floor. I’m so happy that she is going to be a Lady Vol.”
Manuel, a 5-foot-8 guard from Saint Louis, Missouri, is ranked No. 35 nationally by Rivals, No. 7 among point guards, and No. 2 in Missouri. ESPN places her at No. 25 overall. She plays at Lift for Life Academy.
Manuel’s own words reflected both gratitude and ambition. “My setbacks didn’t define me.
They prepared me for everything God has in store for me. I chose Tennessee because of the rich tradition of women’s basketball and the opportunity to be part of something special, and I love my new teammates and the love of the staff!
It feels like home. I love Coach Kim’s energy, passion and the way she pushes her players to be their best.
I like that she is straight-forward and honest, because she will make you uncomfortable, and that is when you grow. I’m most excited about competing at the highest level and playing in the best conference in the nation.
I am also excited about developing as a player and helping bring championships back to Tennessee. I am ready to represent and to be part of something bigger than myself.
Let’s go, Lady Vols!”
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Why Alabama Still Sits Ahead Of Tennessee Just Got Clear
The latest College Football Playoff rankings left Tennessee still chasing Alabama, even though both teams carry two losses. The Vols landed at No. 8 while the Crimson Tide stayed at No. 3, and committee chair Hunter Yurachek pointed to Alabamas stronger schedule and better collection of quality wins as the separator.
For Tennessee, the path forward is still right there on the schedule, but it is not an easy one. Matchups with Texas A&M, LSU and Vanderbilt will give the Vols chances to strengthen their case, and in a crowded playoff race, every week now feels like an audition for a higher spot. [Read more 🡒]
Tennessee Just Landed A Top Commit With One Huge Catch
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Lundys commitment, though, comes with the familiar uncertainty that shadows elite baseball recruiting. He is still eligible for the upcoming MLB Draft, and his path could still turn toward professional baseball instead of Knoxville. For Tennessee, the good news is clear: if he chooses the college route, the Volunteers will be waiting as his landing spot. [Read more 🡒]
Tennessee Gets One Break But Another Loss Just Got Much Tougher
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Weathersby became the eighth Tennessee player to go down with a season-ending injury this year, underscoring how much attrition the Volunteers have had to absorb as the schedule tightens. The report also listed six other players who have now been sidelined for several straight games, leaving Tennessee to keep piecing together depth at multiple spots while trying to stay competitive in a crucial stretch. [Read more 🡒]