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Cleveland Today
By the People, for the People
Lady Vols Freshman Lauren Hurst Enters Transfer Portal
Hurst was part of a highly-ranked recruiting class that committed to Tennessee before Kim Caldwell coached a game.
Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:04am
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Tennessee Lady Vols basketball freshman Lauren Hurst has announced her intention to enter the transfer portal when it opens on April 6. Hurst, a three-time Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year, played in 24 games and averaged 2.3 points per game in her lone season with the Lady Vols.
Why it matters
Hurst was part of a highly-touted 2025 recruiting class that was ranked as the second-best in the country. Her departure is the latest in a series of roster changes for the Lady Vols, who lost their final eight games of the season and were eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
The details
Hurst, a Cleveland, Tennessee native, was a part of a five-member recruiting class that committed to the Lady Vols before head coach Kim Caldwell had coached a game. The class was ranked as the second-best prep class in America and included Jaida Civil, Mia and Mya Pauldo, and Deniya Prawl. Hurst played in 24 games as a freshman, making one start, and averaged 2.3 points per game while shooting 41% from the 3-point line.
- Hurst announced her intention to enter the transfer portal on March 27, 2026.
- The transfer portal will open on April 6, 2026, allowing Hurst to officially enter.
The players
Lauren Hurst
A freshman basketball player for the Tennessee Lady Vols who has announced her intention to enter the transfer portal.
Kim Caldwell
The head coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team.
What they’re saying
“From the time that these five young ladies came on their visits, it just felt right. It felt like they were supposed to play here. They got along with our staff, and they got along with our players really well.”
— Kim Caldwell, Head Coach, Tennessee Lady Vols
“I have always been able to recruit players and stack talent and get them to run through a wall for me and get them to play hard and I wasn't able to do that.”
— Kim Caldwell, Head Coach, Tennessee Lady Vols
What’s next
The transfer portal will open on April 6, 2026, allowing Hurst to officially enter and begin exploring options to continue her college basketball career elsewhere.
The takeaway
Hurst's departure is the latest setback for the Tennessee Lady Vols, who are looking to rebuild after a disappointing season that ended with a first-round NCAA Tournament exit. The loss of a highly-touted recruit like Hurst is a blow, but it also presents an opportunity for Caldwell to reshape the roster and find players who can help the program return to its winning ways.
