Projected Lineups for Kim Caldwell’s Second Season Leading the Lady Vols Basketball Program in 2025-26: Who Starts Where?

Kim Caldwell’s debut season at Tennessee was a mix of transition and tenacity. Known for her up-tempo, high-pressure style at Marshall, Caldwell inherited a roster that wasn’t entirely built for her system. Still, she managed to lay the foundation for what could become one of the most exciting teams in the SEC. Now entering her second year with the Lady Vols, Caldwell has had an offseason to bring in her preferred personnel and further implement her system. With the transfer portal, returning contributors, and an infusion of promising freshmen, Tennessee’s rotation is shaping up to be deeper, faster, and more aggressive on both ends of the court. Predicting Caldwell’s 2025–26 lineup is an exercise in balancing experience, talent, and the sheer pace she demands.

Let’s begin with the backcourt. Nya Robertson, the high-scoring transfer from SMU, is a near-lock to start at the two-guard position. She fits Caldwell’s mold perfectly—she’s aggressive, shoots without hesitation, and brings the type of scoring punch Tennessee sorely needed last year. Averaging over 17 points per game at SMU, Robertson has the capability to thrive in Caldwell’s press-and-pace system. Her ability to stretch the floor will not only open up driving lanes but also create space for Tennessee’s post players to operate.

Alongside Robertson in the backcourt could be Jasmine Powell, the veteran point guard whose experience is crucial in orchestrating a fast-paced offense. Powell’s understanding of tempo, defensive rotations, and leadership presence makes her the ideal floor general in Caldwell’s scheme. She’s a capable distributor, aggressive on-ball defender, and can handle pressure situations. If she returns healthy and in form, Powell could serve as the quarterback who sets the tone for Caldwell’s relentless pace. If Powell is pushed by competition or injury concerns arise, freshman sensation Kyra Dennis may be called upon. Dennis brings energy, court vision, and a scoring mentality, though Caldwell may prefer to ease her into the system early before thrusting her into a starting role.

On the wing, Karoline Striplin is an interesting case. She emerged last season as a reliable forward who rebounded well and defended multiple positions. Caldwell may choose to start Striplin at the three or even as a stretch-four depending on matchups. Her versatility is an asset, but she may come off the bench initially if the Lady Vols prioritize length and athleticism with newer arrivals. Instead, look for Sara Puckett to play a bigger role. Puckett brings size, a soft shooting touch, and an improving defensive game. Her ability to knock down the three and guard wings makes her a natural fit at the small forward spot in Caldwell’s scheme.

Inside, the post rotation will likely be led by Avery Strickland and Justine Pissott. Both have had moments where they’ve shown the capability to control the paint, though consistency will be key. Pissott, in particular, has been developing into a more physical presence and has a high ceiling thanks to her length and instincts. She can serve as a rim protector and rebounder while stretching the floor with her jumper. Strickland offers rebounding toughness and hustle plays that endear her to coaches, though her offensive skill set still needs refinement. This frontcourt tandem can be very effective if they stay out of foul trouble and match the speed required by Caldwell’s system.

Caldwell may also turn to transfers to bolster her starting five. Names like Azana Baines or Nyla Harris, if they emerge from the portal and officially commit, could dramatically change the equation. Baines is a multi-positional defender who can score in transition, while Harris is a rebounding machine with SEC experience. If either lands in Knoxville, they’ll challenge for a starting spot from day one.

The bench will be a vital component of this Lady Vols squad. Caldwell loves to rotate early and often, keeping legs fresh and pressure consistent. This means players like Edie Darby, Brooklynn Miles, and Destiny Salary will get meaningful minutes even if they don’t start. Darby, a capable three-point shooter, could be a second-unit spark plug. Miles brings grit and tenacity, especially on the defensive end. Salary is a wildcard—when locked in, she can take over stretches of games, especially in transition.

Freshmen will also play a key role. Caldwell made it clear during the recruiting process that she wants players who are committed to her philosophy of fast-paced, 94-feet-of-pressure basketball. Those who arrive on campus already conditioned and mentally prepared to play this style could see the floor early. Expect at least one freshman to crack the main rotation if not the starting lineup. Much of that depends on preseason practices and how quickly they pick up Caldwell’s demanding schemes.

From a stylistic perspective, Caldwell’s teams are not built around traditional post play or half-court sets. They’re predicated on chaos: forcing turnovers, sprinting in transition, launching quick threes, and outworking the opponent for 40 minutes. That philosophy demands depth and toughness more than a polished half-court skill set. So while names and reputations matter, effort and fit will likely dictate who sees the floor most often.

With that in mind, a potential starting lineup entering the 2025–26 season could look like this: Jasmine Powell at point guard, Nya Robertson at shooting guard, Sara Puckett on the wing, Justine Pissott at the four, and Avery Strickland at center. Off the bench, Karoline Striplin would be the first forward in, Kyra Dennis would spell Powell at point, and Edie Darby or Destiny Salary would rotate in on the perimeter. This group gives Caldwell speed, shooting, length, and multiple ball-handlers—an essential in her full-court pressure scheme.

Of course, this projection is subject to offseason developments. Injuries, portal additions, or offseason jumps from returning players could shift the balance. For instance, if Puckett has a breakout summer, she could emerge as a go-to scorer. If Striplin sharpens her three-point shot, she could start over Pissott. If a transfer brings elite rebounding or defensive ability, Caldwell won’t hesitate to insert them into the starting five.

What’s most promising for Tennessee fans is the clear identity this team is forming. Under Caldwell, the Lady Vols are going to press, shoot, and sprint. That approach requires buy-in, chemistry, and fearless execution. It also creates opportunity for players who might have been overlooked in more traditional systems. Role players become essential cogs in this style, and stars are encouraged to take risks and play fast.

The 2025–26 season will be the first where this is fully Caldwell’s team. From the way it’s recruiting, conditioning, and planning to play, Tennessee is being reshaped into a program that mirrors its head coach’s energy and ambition. The schedule won’t be easy, with non-conference clashes and an SEC slate that remains among the toughest in the country. But with the right mix of veterans, new blood, and full-throttle effort, Tennessee has the makings of a team that can surprise nationally.

Ultimately, the success of Caldwell’s second season won’t hinge solely on wins and losses. It will come down to identity, pace, and whether the Lady Vols can consistently play the brand of basketball she’s trying to instill. If they do, expect a noisy, exciting, and perhaps season-defining year in Knoxville. The projected starting five gives Tennessee fans reason for optimism—but it’s the system, not the names, that will define the Caldwell era.