Kim Caldwell’s latest commitment might be under the radar, but she could be just what the doctor ordered for the Lady Vols
The Tennessee Lady Vols are starting to take shape for a crucial 2026-27 season for Kim Caldwell. The roster sat at zero after the entire returning group of players elected to leave via the transfer portal. Since then, Caldwell has gone into the transfer portal and pulled a number of notable names to help get […]
The Tennessee Lady Vols are starting to take shape for a crucial 2026-27 season for Kim Caldwell.
The roster sat at zero after the entire returning group of players elected to leave via the transfer portal. Since then, Caldwell has gone into the transfer portal and pulled a number of notable names to help get the program back in the right direction after a disastrous 2025-26 season that saw Tennessee drop 10 of their last 12 games and bow out of the NCAA Tournament in their first game.
Caldwell’s most recent pickup — Penn State guard Shaelyn Steele — might not stick out for what she’s done on the court so far. Through two seasons, the Ashville, Kentucky native has averaged just 1.8 points per game, 2.7 rebounds per game, and 1.1 assists per game. Not exactly eye-popping numbers.
However, it’s what she told VolQuest/On3 Sports about why she’s coming to Knoxville that’s worth noting. Per Steele, it’s the fast, aggressive style of play that suits her best.
New Lady Vols commit Shaelyn Steele said Kim Caldwell’s style is the ‘right fit
“Tennessee felt like the right fit because of the style of play and the energy around the program,” Steele said. “I was really looking for a place where I could play fast, be aggressive, and just play freely on both ends of the floor, and their system really plays into all my strengths as a basketball player.”
After last season, that’s something that can’t be taken for granted in Knoxville. There was a clear and obvious disconnect between the players and the coaching staff, and Caldwell admitted after the season that she had to switch up her gameplan because the current players, it doesn’t sound like, were having it.
Getting the right players in who fit and want to play in your system is crucial for Caldwell, and at least it seems Steele fits what Caldwell wants to do on the court like a glove.
After last season, that’s certainly a good sign.