The Tennessee Lady Volunteers have recently bolstered their roster by adding several standout players across multiple sports, aiming to enhance their competitiveness in upcoming seasons.
Women’s Basketball
In August 2023, the Lady Vols secured the transfer of Talaysia Cooper, a 6-foot guard from Turbeville, South Carolina. Cooper, a 2022 McDonald’s All-American and five-star recruit, played her freshman season at South Carolina, appearing in 24 games and averaging 2.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. Due to her transfer outside the NCAA’s portal window, she will sit out the 2023-24 season and join the active roster as a redshirt sophomore in the 2024-25 season. Head coach Kellie Harper expressed enthusiasm about Cooper’s addition, highlighting her familiarity with Cooper’s talent and character from previous recruitment efforts.
Another significant addition is Justine Pissott, a 6’4″ wing from Toms River, New Jersey. Ranked No. 11 in ESPN Women’s Top 100 for the Class of 2022, Pissott brings a versatile skill set to the team. She recently showcased her talents on the international stage, contributing to the USA U18 National Team’s gold medal victory at the FIBA U18 Women’s Americas Championship in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Pissott averaged 6.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game during the tournament, including notable double-digit scoring performances against Puerto Rico and Brazil. Her arrival adds depth and height to the Lady Vols’ wing positions, and she is expected to make an immediate impact in the 2022-2023 season.
