Lady Vols Basketball Returns to Women’s Champions Classic to Play Louisville

In the world of college basketball, few matchups create as much excitement as those involving powerhouse programs with rich histories and a reputation for excellence. The Tennessee Lady Vols are a name that resonates across the college basketball landscape, a team with a storied legacy, national championships, and a fanbase that consistently supports them through thick and thin. For the upcoming 2025 season, the Lady Vols are set to return to one of the most prestigious events in women’s college basketball: the Women’s Champions Classic. This season, Tennessee will face off against Louisville in what promises to be a thrilling early-season clash between two top-tier programs.

The Women’s Champions Classic, a premier event that showcases some of the best teams in the nation, brings together elite women’s basketball programs for a high-profile matchup to kick off the season. This classic features matchups between the best of the best, creating an early-season spectacle that sets the tone for the rest of the year. For Tennessee, a return to the Champions Classic is not only a chance to showcase its new-look roster but also an opportunity to prove that the Lady Vols are still one of the most dominant teams in college basketball.

In this article, we’ll dive into the significance of the Lady Vols’ return to the Women’s Champions Classic, the challenges they face in facing Louisville, key players to watch, and the broader implications of this game for Tennessee’s 2025 season.

The Women’s Champions Classic: A Tradition of Excellence

The Women’s Champions Classic is a relatively new event but has already earned a reputation as one of the most prestigious fixtures in women’s college basketball. It typically involves the top-ranked teams from across the country, and each year, the participating schools are often among the favorites to make deep runs in the NCAA Tournament.

This event serves as a showcase for the best players, coaches, and teams in the nation. Teams like UConn, Baylor, Stanford, and South Carolina have made regular appearances, cementing their status as national contenders. For the Tennessee Lady Vols, making a return to the event is a testament to their continued place among the elite programs in women’s college basketball.

Tennessee’s involvement in the Women’s Champions Classic isn’t just a chance for the team to gain early-season exposure but also an opportunity to face top-tier competition that will prepare them for the challenges they will face throughout the rest of the season. The Lady Vols have historically thrived in high-pressure games and are no strangers to playing in big-time matchups. Returning to this event signifies that they are once again positioned as one of the top programs in the country.

The Lady Vols’ Road to the Women’s Champions Classic

The 2025 Tennessee Lady Vols are a team with a mix of experienced upperclassmen and talented newcomers, all coming together under the guidance of head coach Kellie Harper. Harper, who has done an incredible job of rebuilding the program since her arrival, has now led the Lady Vols into another exciting season filled with high expectations. After a successful 2024 campaign, which included a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, Tennessee has set its sights on returning to the top of women’s college basketball.

The Lady Vols have a history of success, with multiple national championships and a legacy that dates back to the legendary Pat Summitt. Now, under Harper, Tennessee is focused on building a team that can once again compete for a national title. The opportunity to play in the Women’s Champions Classic provides the Lady Vols with an early test against another elite program—Louisville, one of the top teams in the country.

In the buildup to the game, Tennessee will have faced various challenges in terms of roster changes, injury recovery, and a competitive non-conference schedule. However, the opportunity to play a game of this magnitude against a team like Louisville will give them a strong measuring stick to gauge where they stand as a team and what areas they need to improve heading into SEC play.

Louisville: A National Power and Early Test for Tennessee

Louisville has been one of the most consistent programs in women’s college basketball in recent years. Led by head coach Jeff Walz, the Cardinals have consistently competed at a high level, making deep runs in the NCAA Tournament and earning top-seed placements year after year. As of the 2025 season, Louisville is expected to be a top contender in the ACC and one of the favorites to make a run at the national championship.

Key Players for Louisville

Hailey Van Lith (Guard): Van Lith has been the heart and soul of the Louisville Cardinals’ program for the past few years. The standout guard is known for her scoring ability, basketball IQ, and leadership. Van Lith can score from anywhere on the floor—whether it’s driving to the basket, shooting from beyond the arc, or getting to the free-throw line. She is a player who thrives in big moments and is known for elevating her play when the game is on the line. For Tennessee, limiting Van Lith’s impact will be critical to securing a win in this high-profile matchup.
Emily Engstler (Forward): A dynamic forward with the ability to both score and rebound, Engstler provides Louisville with a versatile weapon in the paint. Her combination of size and athleticism makes her a tough matchup for opponents. Engstler’s ability to stretch the floor with her outside shooting while dominating in the paint will be a key factor to watch as the Lady Vols look to contain her on both ends of the court.
Olivia Cochran (Center): As one of Louisville’s most dominant players in the post, Cochran brings size and skill in the low post. A force around the basket, Cochran can score efficiently and grab crucial rebounds. The Lady Vols will need to focus on rebounding and interior defense to neutralize her presence in the paint.

Key Matchups: Tennessee vs. Louisville

The matchup between Tennessee and Louisville promises to be a thrilling contest. Both teams boast strong offenses, tenacious defenses, and plenty of talent on both ends of the floor. While there are many factors that will determine the outcome of the game, there are a few key matchups that will likely have the biggest impact:

Tennessee’s Defense vs. Louisville’s Offensive Firepower: Tennessee is known for its ability to lock down on defense, and in this matchup, the Lady Vols will need to focus on shutting down Louisville’s high-powered offense. The defense will be tasked with containing Hailey Van Lith and preventing Louisville from getting easy looks in the paint. Tennessee’s ability to force turnovers and get out in transition will be key to limiting Louisville’s offensive flow.
Tennessee’s Scoring Depth vs. Louisville’s Defensive Scheme: While Tennessee has a deep and versatile lineup, Louisville is known for its strong defensive rotations and schemes. The Lady Vols will need to exploit matchups and create opportunities for players like Jordan Horston, Jillian Hollingshead, and Rickea Jackson to get open looks. If Tennessee can find success in the half-court offense and push the tempo when necessary, they will be in a good position to take control of the game.
Rebounding Battle: Both teams have players capable of dominating the boards, so whoever wins the battle on the glass could have a significant advantage. Tennessee will need to box out Louisville’s frontcourt players, including Emily Engstler and Olivia Cochran, to limit second-chance opportunities. On the flip side, the Lady Vols will need to capitalize on their own offensive rebounds to create more scoring chances.

Key Players for Tennessee

Tennessee’s roster is stacked with talent across multiple positions. As they prepare for the challenge against Louisville, here are a few key players to keep an eye on:

Jordan Horston (Guard/Forward): Horston is one of the most talented and versatile players in women’s college basketball. Her ability to score, rebound, and create plays for her teammates makes her one of the most dangerous all-around players in the nation. Against Louisville, Horston will need to play a leading role on both offense and defense, particularly in limiting Louisville’s perimeter shooting while contributing to the scoring effort.
Rickea Jackson (Guard/Forward): Jackson is a standout scorer for Tennessee and will be crucial in keeping the offense flowing against Louisville’s defense. Her ability to score from all areas of the floor—whether it’s attacking the rim or hitting from beyond the arc—will be vital for Tennessee’s success. Jackson will need to stay aggressive and create opportunities for herself and her teammates.
Jillian Hollingshead (Forward): Hollingshead is another key player for Tennessee, particularly in the post. Her rebounding and defensive abilities will be important as the Lady Vols battle Louisville’s talented frontcourt. Additionally, Hollingshead’s ability to finish around the basket will be crucial in Tennessee’s offensive attack.

The Broader Implications for Tennessee’s Season

While the game against Louisville is an early-season matchup, it holds significant implications for the Lady Vols’ season. A victory over Louisville would not only give Tennessee a strong resume-building win early in the season but also provide a confidence boost as the team heads into conference play. The Lady Vols are expected to be one of the top contenders in the SEC, and beating a top team like Louisville would set the tone for the rest of the season.

Additionally, Tennessee’s performance in the Women’s Champions Classic will provide a glimpse into how well the team has gelled and whether they are ready to compete for a national title. The Lady Vols have the talent, coaching, and depth to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, but games like this will show how they measure up against the nation’s best.