Tennessee has awarded a one-year contract extension through the 2029-30 season, along with a salary increase, after the team’s impressive performance in the NCAA Tournament. The extension was verbally agreed upon on Monday, though the specifics of the raise are not yet available.
Under her previous contract, she earned a base salary of $750,000, with additional bonuses for winning an NCAA Tournament game and for reaching the Sweet 16. In the NCAA Tournament regional semifinal, the fifth-seeded Lady Vols were defeated by top-seeded Texas.
“After just one season, we’ve witnessed firsthand how her innovative, fast-paced offense and aggressive defense can transform the game,” said Tennessee athletic director Danny White. “The future of Lady Vols basketball is bright under her leadership, setting the stage for a remarkable journey ahead.”
The head coach, who only missed a week of the season after giving birth to her son, Conor, finished her first season at Tennessee with a 24-10 record, marking her second year in Division I. Her 24 wins rank second among first-year Lady Vols coaches, behind only Holly Warlick’s 27 in 2012-13. This season also marked Tennessee’s 43rd consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and a record 37th Sweet 16.
During the season, Tennessee defeated No. 5 UConn in front of 16,215 fans, the largest crowd since 2011-12, Pat Summitt’s final season. The Lady Vols averaged 10,647 fans per game, ranking fifth nationally and marking their best season average since 2013-14.
“I’m grateful for Danny’s continued trust and belief in me after a foundational first season at Tennessee,” said the coach. “I’m extremely proud of our players and staff for their hard work and what we achieved together. I look forward to continuing to improve the program and taking the necessary steps to compete for championships.”
She implemented a fast-paced style of play that mirrors hockey’s line changes, frequently substituting players in groups. Under her leadership, the Lady Vols set SEC and program records for 3-pointers made (343) and attempted (1,054). They ranked second in the nation in 3-pointers per game (10.1) and third in scoring offense (86.6 points per game).
The team also set NCAA, SEC, and school records for 3-pointers in a game with 30 against North Carolina Central on December 14, and scored 139 points in that game, a program record that tied for the fifth-highest total in Division I history.
Additionally, the coach has signed a highly regarded five-player class, ranked No. 1 by 247Sports and No. 2 by ESPN.
