Lady Vols-UConn Rivalry Continues, But Coach Wants Change

Tennessee's Kim Caldwell says the matchup is 'too tough' during SEC play.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 3:31pm

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The long-standing rivalry between the University of Tennessee Lady Vols and the UConn Huskies women's basketball teams is set to continue, but Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell has expressed a preference to move the matchup from its typical timing during SEC conference play, stating that the game is 'too tough' for her team at that point in the season.

Why it matters

The Lady Vols-UConn rivalry is one of the most storied in women's college basketball, with the two programs combining for 19 national championships. However, Caldwell believes the timing of the game during SEC play puts an unnecessary burden on her team as they prepare for conference competition.

The details

The Lady Vols and Huskies have faced off numerous times over the years, with UConn holding a 22-15 advantage in the all-time series. Caldwell would like to see the matchup moved to a different point in the season, rather than having it fall during the heart of SEC play when her team is already dealing with the rigors of conference competition.

  • The Lady Vols and Huskies are set to continue their rivalry series in the 2026-27 season.

The players

Kim Caldwell

The head coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols women's basketball team.

University of Tennessee Lady Vols

The women's basketball team of the University of Tennessee, one of the most successful programs in NCAA history with 8 national championships.

UConn Huskies

The women's basketball team of the University of Connecticut, one of the most dominant programs in NCAA history with 11 national championships.

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What they’re saying

“The Lady Vols-UConn rivalry is 'too tough' during SEC play.”

— Kim Caldwell, Head Coach, University of Tennessee Lady Vols

The takeaway

The long-standing Lady Vols-UConn rivalry is a marquee matchup in women's college basketball, but Tennessee's coach believes the timing of the game during SEC play puts an unnecessary burden on her team as they prepare for the rigors of conference competition.