Former NBA All-Star drops strong take on Kaiya Wynn leaving the Lady Vols
It’s been a tough week for Kim Caldwell and the Lady Vols.
Lady Vols guard Kaiya Wynn’s decision to leave the Tennessee basketball team this week has led to numerous reactions from athletes on social media.
Wynn left the program after she didn’t get to start her final career home game.
“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 NBA All Star comments on Kaiya Wynn’s departure
Former NBA All Star Isaiah Thomas weighed in on Wynn’s departure via a tweet, and he suggested that Caldwell is “trippin” for not letting Wynn start her final home game.
Many of the reactions to the news have been supportive of Wynn, though former Lady Vols guard/forward Tess Darby came to Caldwell’s defense in a post on Twitter/X.com.
It’s been a tough stretch for Caldwell as the Lady Vols dropped seven of their final eight regular season games. Tennessee is still expected to make the NCAA Tournament, but a one-and-done showing in the SEC Tournament this week could put the Lady Vols on the bubble.
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