Naomi White Transferred to Tennessee Lady Vols
The former Northern Arizona standout joined the Tennessee women's basketball program this past summer.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Basketball
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In the summer of 2026, Naomi White transferred to the University of Tennessee to join the Lady Vols. White previously led all Division I freshmen in scoring at Northern Arizona.
Why it matters
Her arrival is a critical component of coach Kim Caldwell's effort to rebuild the roster after all eight of the team's potential returners departed following a 16-14 season.
White averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.9 steals per game last season. She shot 36.5 percent from 3-point range while taking 7.9 attempts per game.
The players
Naomi White
She is a 5-foot-9 basketball player who previously played for Northern Arizona and earned Big Sky Freshman of the Year honors.
Kim Caldwell
She is the head coach tasked with leading the University of Tennessee women's basketball program through a complete roster transition.
The details
White joins the program after a standout tenure at Northern Arizona, where she was named the Big Sky Freshman of the Year. She is currently working with the coaching staff on defensive training drills and full-court press strategies.
Timeline
Spring 2026: Kim Caldwell began rebuilding the roster.
Summer 2026: Naomi White arrived on the University of Tennessee campus.
September 25, 2026: Kim Caldwell expressed confidence in White.
Season Trajectory
This addition significantly alters the Lady Vols' competitive outlook following the departure of every potential returner from last year's squad. White's scoring prowess is expected to be a cornerstone for the team as they navigate a challenging SEC schedule.
White's ability to maintain her high scoring volume will be essential for the Lady Vols to improve upon their 16-14 record. Her high-volume 3-point shooting provides the team with a new perimeter threat that was not present in the previous season.
The takeaway
White's transition to the SEC will test whether her high-scoring production at Northern Arizona can translate against more rigorous defensive schemes. Her success remains vital for a team looking to establish a new identity under a new coaching staff.
Further reading
For more updates on the upcoming season, visit the Basketball section.
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Do you believe top-performing transfer athletes will succeed when moving to a higher-ranked conference?
