Aaliyah Moore Transferred to Lady Vols
The former Texas player joined Tennessee following a recovery from knee surgery.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Basketball
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Aaliyah Moore transferred to the University of Tennessee women's basketball team in April 2026. The move followed a 16-14 season for the Lady Vols and Moore's recovery from a knee injury.
Why it matters
Lashowann Smith sought assurance regarding the program's direction under coach Kim Caldwell before allowing Moore to visit the Knoxville campus. Moore prioritized finding a coach who expressed confidence in her recovery and long-term performance goals.
Aaliyah Moore played 32 minutes and scored 11 points during a January 23, 2025 matchup where Texas defeated Tennessee 80-76. Moore sat out the entire 2025-2026 season due to knee surgery.
The players
Aaliyah Moore
She is a collegiate basketball player who spent five seasons at Texas before transferring to the University of Tennessee.
Kim Caldwell
She is the head coach of the University of Tennessee women's basketball team who vetted Moore during her recruitment.
Lashowann Smith
She is a primary contact who interviewed the Tennessee coaching staff to ensure the program was the right fit for Moore.
The details
Moore, who played five seasons at Texas, was cleared to return to basketball without pain after her rehabilitation. She and coach Kim Caldwell met for a one-on-one session to discuss performance milestones.
Timeline
January 23, 2025: Texas defeated Tennessee 80-76.
April 2026: Moore entered the transfer portal.
September 25, 2026: Moore discussed her recruitment process.
Season Trajectory
The arrival of Moore represents a critical effort to stabilize the Lady Vols roster following a period of high turnover that saw eight players enter the transfer portal. Her integration is central to improving the team's standing after the 2025-2026 season record.
Moore is expected to compete for significant playing time during the upcoming 2026-27 season. Her health status remains a key factor in the team's ability to improve upon the 16-14 mark set last year.
The takeaway
The successful recruitment of experienced transfers serves as a key indicator for programs seeking to reverse recent performance dips. Athletes prioritizing personal coaching confidence often seek out programs that align with their long-term recovery and playing goals.
Further reading
For more on the roster shifts this year, visit the Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Jackson Sun.
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