Lady Vols Basketball Unveils 2025-26 Schedule

Sports Desk :  The University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team has announced its 2025-26 schedule, headlined by a high-profile season opener against NC State at the First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. The matchup, set for November 4, 2025, will tip off what promises to be an action-packed season for the storied program.

2025-26 Lady Vols Basketball Schedule Highlights

The Lady Vols’ 2025-26 schedule features a mix of challenging non-conference matchups, exciting home games, and a rigorous SEC slate. Here are some key dates and opponents:

 

Non-Conference Schedule

Nov. 4, 2025: vs. NC State (First Horizon Coliseum, Greensboro, NC)
The season opener against the Wolfpack will be a neutral-site showdown, though Greensboro’s proximity to Raleigh gives NC State a slight home-court advantage. First Horizon Coliseum, a historic venue for women’s basketball, will host the clash.

– Nov. 10, 2025**: vs. UConn (Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville, TN)
A marquee home game against the Huskies renews one of the most storied rivalries in women’s college basketball.

– Nov. 20, 2025**: at Stanford (Maples Pavilion, Stanford, CA)
The Lady Vols will face the Cardinal in a rematch of their thrilling 2024 NCAA Tournament encounter.

– Dec. 6, 2025**: vs. Notre Dame (Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville, TN)
Another powerhouse matchup as the Fighting Irish come to Knoxville.

– Dec. 20, 2025**: at Louisville (KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, KY)
A tough road test against the Cardinals in a battle of perennial contenders.

SEC Schedule
The Lady Vols will face a challenging SEC slate, including home-and-home series against rivals like South Carolina, LSU, and Mississippi State. Key conference matchups include:
– Jan. 8, 2026: vs. South Carolina (Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville, TN)
A showdown with the Gamecocks, who have dominated the SEC in recent years.

– Jan. 22, 2026: at LSU (Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Baton Rouge, LA)
A road test against the Tigers, led by their high-powered offense.

– Feb. 12, 2026: vs. Mississippi State (Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville, TN)
A rematch of last season’s thrilling overtime game.

– Feb. 26, 2026: at Alabama (Coleman Coliseum, Tuscaloosa, AL)
A late-season road game against a rising Crimson Tide program.

Postseason
The Lady Vols will aim to make a deep run in the 2026 SEC Tournament, set for March 4-8 in Greenville, South Carolina, followed by the NCAA Tournament in late March and April.

2024-25 Season Recap

The Lady Vols are coming off a strong 2024-25 campaign, finishing with a 24-8 record and advancing to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Key victories included a thrilling overtime win against Mississippi State and a dominant performance against UConn. The team’s success was fueled by the leadership of senior guard Sarah Thompson, who averaged 18.5 points per game, and the emergence of freshman forward Emily Carter, who earned SEC All-Freshman honors.

Looking Ahead to 2025-26
Head coach Kellie Harper expressed excitement about the upcoming season, stating, “We’re thrilled to open the season against a top-tier program like NC State. Our non-conference schedule is designed to prepare us for the rigors of SEC play and beyond. We have a talented group returning, and we’re eager to build on last year’s success.”

The Lady Vols will return four starters from the 2024-25 squad, including Thompson and Carter, and welcome a top-five recruiting class featuring McDonald’s All-American point guard Mia Johnson.

Fan Engagement and Special Events

The Lady Vols will also host several themed games and events throughout the season, including:
– “Boo & Gold” Halloween Event (Oct. 29, 2025): A fan-favorite tradition featuring a scrimmage, costume contest, and giveaways.

Dolly’s Birthday Party (Jan. 18, 2026) A celebration of Tennessee icon Dolly Parton, complete with cowboy hat giveaways.
– Play for Kay/Pink Out (Feb. 27, 2026): A game dedicated to raising awareness for breast cancer research.

Tickets and More Information
Season tickets for the 2025-26 Lady Vols basketball season will go on sale in June 2025. Fans are encouraged to secure their seats early for what promises to be an unforgettable season. For more information, visit the official Lady Vols basketball website.

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