As spring transitions into summer in Knoxville, postseason aspirations are heating up across the University of Tennessee campus. From the softball diamond to the tennis court and beyond, Lady Vols programs are aiming to turn strong regular-season efforts into deep championship runs. The legacy of women’s athletics at Tennessee is both storied and inspiring, shaped by legends like Pat Summitt and sustained by generations of driven athletes who wear the orange and white with pride. Now, with postseason brackets taking shape and elimination games looming, several Lady Vols squads are preparing to make their mark and add to that rich tradition.
The Tennessee softball team, under the leadership of head coach Karen Weekly, is once again positioned as a national contender. The Lady Vols wrapped up another dominant regular season, demonstrating consistency, depth, and elite-level pitching. Their explosive offense has drawn national attention, but it’s the pitching staff, led by seasoned arms and emerging stars, that could make the biggest difference when the games get tighter. With the SEC Tournament on the horizon and a strong case for a top national seed in the NCAA Tournament, the Lady Vols are eager to capitalize on a year that has felt special from the start.
Weekly, a veteran coach with a calm demeanor and strategic mind, has emphasized one message all season: stay grounded and stay together. It’s that mindset that helped the Lady Vols grind out tight wins and dominate marquee matchups. Their roster boasts a combination of veterans hungry to finish strong and underclassmen already proving they belong on the big stage. At this time of year, experience matters, but so does momentum—and Tennessee seems to have both.
Meanwhile, the Tennessee women’s tennis program continues its upward climb. The team has quietly become one of the SEC’s most dangerous and disciplined units. Under head coach Alison Ojeda, the Lady Vols have developed a culture centered on accountability, unity, and belief in each other. That cohesion was evident during a challenging regular season filled with tough conference play. Now, with the NCAA Tournament draw just around the corner, the Lady Vols are bracing for an opportunity to make a statement on the national stage.
Ojeda, a former Lady Vol herself, understands what postseason tennis requires. The margin for error narrows considerably, and the emotional swings in high-stakes matches can test even the most seasoned competitors. Still, with a lineup that has shown grit and resilience, Tennessee heads into the postseason with an optimistic outlook. If the Lady Vols can get hot at the right time, don’t be surprised if they rattle off a few upsets and make a deeper run than some expect.
Track and field has also been a bright spot for the Lady Vols this year. Under the direction of director of track and field Duane Ross, Tennessee’s women’s squad has produced standout performances in sprinting, distance, and field events. Several athletes have posted times and marks that place them among the nation’s best, positioning the team well for the SEC Championships and the NCAA Championships to follow. The postseason meets will provide a massive platform for individual excellence, but Tennessee’s strength lies in its team unity and relentless preparation.
One of the defining features of the Lady Vols’ track and field program this year has been its balance. It’s not just one or two superstars leading the way—it’s a collective of women pushing each other and peaking at the right time. From early-season invitationals to high-pressure relay races, Tennessee’s women have embraced the grind. Now they aim to turn all that hard work into hardware.
Tennessee’s rowing team is also in the hunt for postseason honors. Often overlooked in broader athletic conversations, the Lady Vols’ rowing program has steadily improved its standing in the NCAA over the past few seasons. With a gritty group of athletes who thrive on early mornings and difficult training sessions, this year’s team has embraced its identity and aims to prove it belongs among the nation’s elite. With the Big 12 Rowing Championship looming—a conference Tennessee competes in for this sport—the Lady Vols are dialed in.
There’s a certain kind of toughness required to succeed in rowing, and this year’s team embodies that fully. Whether it’s the varsity eight boat or the second varsity four, Tennessee’s rowers have shown they can compete with anyone when focused. Coach Lisa Glenn has built a culture around resilience and accountability, two traits that bode well when postseason pressure mounts.
For all the athletic talent, skill, and preparation involved in these postseason runs, there’s another essential ingredient that binds the Lady Vols: pride. Wearing the Lady Vols logo carries meaning that transcends individual sports. It connects generations of women who fought for opportunities and built programs from the ground up. The current wave of Lady Vols athletes is acutely aware of that history and is motivated to honor it with their own success stories.
The postseason isn’t just about results—it’s about opportunity. It’s about the opportunity to showcase growth, to rise in the moment, to deliver when everything is on the line. For these Lady Vols teams, the next few weeks offer exactly that. They’ve done the work. They’ve battled through adversity. And now, they’re ready for the biggest stages in their respective sports.