Kim Caldwell, in her inaugural season as the head coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team, recently provided an important update on senior guard Kaiya Wynn’s medical condition. As the team prepares to open their 2024-25 campaign against Samford on November 5th at the Food City Center, Caldwell addressed Wynn’s status, revealing that she suffered a significant injury. The tipoff for the season opener is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. EST, with the game being broadcast on SEC Network+.
On Tuesday, Caldwell announced that Wynn has torn her Achilles tendon in her right leg, an injury that will unfortunately sideline her for the entirety of the upcoming season. This is a major blow for the Lady Vols, as Wynn was a key player in last year’s lineup, bringing valuable experience and versatility to the team.
Standing at 6 feet tall, Wynn played in all 33 games during the previous season, demonstrating her durability and consistency on the court. She averaged 4.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, proving herself to be a well-rounded contributor both offensively and defensively. Her presence on the court, particularly as a senior leader, will be sorely missed as Tennessee moves forward with the new season.
Wynn, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, has been a consistent part of the Lady Vols program since 2021, appearing in 94 games over her collegiate career. Throughout this span, she has averaged 2.8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game. While her stats may not jump off the page, her impact on the team goes beyond the box score, with her experience and leadership being key elements of her role.
Beyond basketball, Wynn has been active off the court as well. Over the summer, she took part in a service and leadership trip to South Africa and Botswana as part of the VOLeaders Academy. This program provides student-athletes with the opportunity to engage in global service and leadership development, and Wynn’s involvement reflects her commitment to growth not only as an athlete but also as a leader and role model.
The loss of Wynn for the season will undoubtedly be a challenge for the Lady Vols, but it also provides an opportunity for other players to step up in her absence. Caldwell, in her first year as head coach, will need to adjust her game plan and find ways to fill the void left by Wynn’s injury. As Tennessee embarks on this new season, they will look to rely on their depth and resilience, but Wynn’s absence will certainly be felt both on and off the court.
