Lady Vols May Have Found A Guard Built For Kim Caldwell

Sherika Nelson shares insights on how Maci Pringle's exceptional skills and dynamic presence will elevate the Lady Vols' game, promising a bright future for Tennessee basketball.

Tennessee has landed its top commit in the class of 2027 so far, signing Maci Pringle, a guard who has already built a reputation as one of the best in the country. Pringle is ranked No. 21 among all prospects nationally, giving Kim Caldwell and her staff a major early addition.

If you want the clearest picture of what Tennessee is bringing in, Sherika Nelson is a good place to start. The Flower Mound coach recently spoke with Vols on SI and laid out exactly what Pringle offers on both ends of the floor, while also sending a message to her star after the signing became official.

“Tennessee is getting a remarkable player in Maci. She brings an unmatched work ethic, passionate intensity, and the ability to change the tempo of the game, all of which make her unique!

She is a versatile player who can run the floor, score in the paint, and knock down three-point shots from the perimeter. She has incredible vision and is an intuitive passer who creates a variety of scoring opportunities for her teammates.

On the defensive end, her length, rebounding ability, and aggressive style of play are game changers. You will see Maci make an impact during her freshman season because of her ability to handle pressure and excel in big moments,” Nelson said.

Nelson also emphasized the kind of person Tennessee is getting, not just the player.

“Maci is ALL HEART! She genuinely cares about everyone in her circle.

She brings energy and enthusiasm every single day. When Maci walks into a room, it lights up because of her smile and personality!

She has a heart for taking care of others and making sure everyone feels included and welcome. Maci is the consummate teammate who makes everyone around her better,” Nelson said.

Her message to Pringle centered on staying grounded and continuing the same path that got her here.

“My message to Maci is to stay true to who you are and continue to grow into the person and player you dream of becoming. Don’t allow success or disappointment to change the heart of who you are.

Tennessee is getting a treasure, and I have no doubt you will make them proud! Everything Maci has gone through to get to this special day makes me extremely happy for her.

She has put in so much work to achieve her dream of playing college basketball, and seeing her excitement about becoming a Lady Vol brings joy to my heart. I believe Tennessee’s up-tempo playing style will give Maci the opportunity to make a huge impact early in her career.

She will play a big role in helping Tennessee return to being one of the top teams in college basketball,” Nelson said.

And Nelson made it clear she expects Pringle to connect quickly with Tennessee fans.

“You are getting a GREAT basketball player, but an even better person! You will fall in love with Maci’s energy and zest for life!

She will bring so much excitement and dedication to the Lady Vol program. Have fun supporting her and cheering her on!

She will make many exciting plays on the court and quickly become a fan favorite in the Lady Vol community,” Nelson said.

In Other News...

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

Tennessees 2027 baseball class already has a headline name in in-state catcher Blake Lundy, a highly rated prospect by Perfect Game who gives the Volunteers another important piece in the early stages of that group. He joins a run of top commits for Tennessee, adding to the programs recent momentum on the recruiting trail and reinforcing how quickly the Vols are stacking talent for the future.

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

Tennessee got a small bit of relief in its first injury update of the week ahead of Texas A&M, with tight end DaSaahn Brame not appearing on the availability report after leaving the previous game. But the bigger news was far more damaging for a defense already stretched thin: sack leader Tyree Weathersby is out for the season after suffering a knee injury, a significant blow to a pass rush that has leaned on him for production.

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 🡒]