KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball program continues to prove that their excellence extends far beyond the hardwood. On Tuesday, the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) announced that the Lady Vols earned Academic Special Mention recognition as part of the 2024-25 WBCA Academic Team Honor Roll.
This prestigious acknowledgment highlights the team’s collective academic success, with a commendable 3.323 grade point average — a noticeable improvement over their 3.301 GPA from the 2023-24 academic year. Tennessee is one of just 37 NCAA Power Five programs to receive this honor, and notably, one of nine institutions from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) to be recognized this year.
The WBCA Academic Top 25 recognizes women’s college basketball programs across the country that maintain the highest combined GPAs inclusive of all student-athletes on their rosters throughout the season. Now in its 30th year, the honor roll remains one of the most prestigious academic accolades in collegiate women’s sports.
Earlier this summer, the Lady Vols also saw 11 of their 15 players named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll, reinforcing the team’s steadfast dedication to balancing academic rigor with elite athletic performance.
Danielle Donehew, Executive Director of the WBCA, praised the efforts of all honored programs. “The WBCA is pleased to recognize those women’s basketball programs that have committed themselves to excellence on the court and in the classroom,” she said. “The 119 teams we honor this year strive to achieve all-around success and we commend their efforts. Congratulations!”
This achievement reflects the Lady Vols’ strong culture of discipline, hard work, and holistic development under the guidance of Tennessee’s academic support staff and coaching team. It sends a clear message that at the University of Tennessee, student-athletes are supported and expected to excel in every arena of life.
As the Lady Vols prepare for the upcoming season, their success in the classroom sets the tone for another year of leadership, grit, and achievement. While fans eagerly await the team’s next big win on the court, this academic milestone serves as a powerful reminder of what it truly means to be a Lady Vol — smart, strong, and unstoppable.
