‘I usually don’t comment on things like this’ – Former Lady Vols player drops strong comments on latest Tennessee controversy
The Lady Vols are dealing some off-the-court distractions as the season nears its end.
The Lady Vols are in the midst of a controversy following guard Kaiya Wynn’s decision to step away from the program this week.
Wynn pointed to not getting to start in her final career home game as the catalyst for her departure (Wynn was given the chance to check into the game with less than a minute remaining).
The controversy comes as the Lady Vols finished the regular season on a six-game losing streak.
“The news has now broken that I have decided to step away from the Lady Vol program,” tweeted Wynn. “This decision was not made lightly or instantly. For the past five years I have given my all for Tennessee and have not regretted doing so once. Obviously, my last two seasons on the team have been less than ideal for many reasons, but the one night I was most looking forward to was senior night.
“As someone who has never started a career game, I was hoping to start in my last appearance in Thompson-Boling. That obviously did not happen, and to be asked to check into the game with 15 seconds left while losing was not how I wanted to spend my final moments in my arena after five years. Although that was not the sole reason, it was the breaking point for me. I have the utmost love and respect for my teammates and this program and wish everyone nothing but the best. Thank you Lady Vol Nation for the past 5 years, you all made this kid from Tennessee so extremely happy.”
“We will miss her,” said head coach Kim Caldwell Wednesday when asked about Wynn. “She was loved in this program. We respect her decision, but we kind of have to turn the page and focus on the SEC Tournament.”
“Not that I see other than playing time,” added Caldwell of possible reasons for Wynn’s decision.
Former Lady Vols guard/forward Tess Darby comments on starting games under Kim Caldwell
Former Lady Vols guard/forward Tess Darby, who played for Caldwell last season, shared some thoughts on the situation via Twitter/X.com on Wednesday.
Darby noted that she didn’t start on either of her “senior days”, and that starting in Caldwell’s system is earned based on the previous game’s performance.
“I usually don’t comment on things like this, but with my name being mentioned, I want to clear the air,” tweeted Darby. “I was a fifth year and had two Senior Days and didn’t start either one under TWO DIFFERENT coaching staffs. In Coach Kim’s system, starting is earned off the previous game’s performance. Numbers don’t lie. I didn’t earn the right to start that game and that’s on me. Accountability isn’t disrespect, and standards aren’t mistreatment. I’ve always had and still have a great relationship with Coach Kim and the previous staff. Love and respect them all and I’m thankful for the opportunities they gave.”
It’s not unusual for seldom-used players to start their final home game. Typically those players are subbed out at the first stoppage. Every program and head coach, however, has their own policy.
In this particular situation — and I say this without knowing what was said behind closed doors between Caldwell and Wynn — better communication probably could have prevented the entire controversy.
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