Kim Caldwell expects three Lady Vols cleared from injuries before season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 3, 2026, 5:03 PM

Last updated Aug 3, 2026

Kim Caldwell expects three Lady Vols cleared from injuries before season

Summary

Lady Vols basketball coach Kim Caldwell expressed optimism that Jada Eads, Kaylene Smikle, and Aaliyah Moore will be cleared to play before the upcoming season starts in November. Eads is recovering from a torn ACL, Smikle from a knee surgery, and Moore did not play last season due to her knee surgery. Caldwell emphasized the importance of cautious rehabilitation, indicating that the athletes are participating in drills, but not rushing their return. Junior guard Avery Mills is also recovering from a recent ACL and meniscus surgery as the team prepares for the season.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Caldwell expects Eads, Smikle, and Moore cleared for the season.
•Eads is recovering from a torn ACL sustained in January.
•Smikle underwent knee surgery after just seven games last season.
•Moore missed the entire 2025-26 season due to knee surgery.
•Junior guard Avery Mills also recovers from recent knee surgery.

Latest Updates

5:03 PMYahoo Sports — Kim Caldwell expects three Lady Vols coming off injuries to be cleared before season

What they're saying

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Lady Vols basketball coach Kim Caldwell said she expects Jada Eads, Kaylene Smikle and Aaliyah Moore to be cleared before the season begins.
— Yahoo Sports

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