The Lady Vols, a team with a storied history, have consistently made their mark in the NCAA tournament. Their participation was never in jeopardy for 2024, despite what some social media narratives suggested. They are set to enter the Raleigh subregional as the No. 6 seed, facing off against Green Bay.
Tennessee’s basketball team boasts an impressive record, making it to the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament for the 42nd consecutive time since its inception in 1982. The only year they missed was 2020, and that was due to the pandemic halting the event.
Head Coach Kellie Harper expressed her excitement about the team’s opportunity to compete once again in the NCAA Tournament. She highlighted the team’s growth over the season and shared her enthusiasm for player Tamari Key, who will get to play in her hometown.
The Lady Vols’ consistent presence in the tournament is rivaled only by Stanford, which has made 37 appearances. Tennessee is scheduled to play against the No. 11 seed Green Bay in Raleigh, North Carolina. This match is set for Saturday, March 23, at 12 p.m. Eastern Time, and will be broadcast on ESPN.
The winners of the initial games will advance to the second round, competing for a spot in the Sweet 16 of the Portland Regional. This next round will take place on Monday, March 25, at a yet-to-be-determined time.
Entering the tournament, the Lady Vols were ranked No. 30 in the NCAA’s NET rankings. They faced the toughest schedule in the country but still managed to receive votes in both the AP and coaches Top 25 polls. Their challenging non-conference schedule played a significant role in their seeding.
The Lady Vols secured a No. 6 seed, surpassing Ole Miss and Alabama in terms of seeding, despite those teams having strong seasons as well. LSU, another formidable team, secured a No. 3 seed after finishing second in the SEC.
The team’s journey to Raleigh was marked by excitement, as shared in a tweet from the Lady Vols Basketball account. Coach Harper has been recognized for her strategic scheduling, especially considering the challenges faced with player injuries. The NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee and ESPN bracketologist Charlie Creme have both noted the team’s recent performance and potential in the tournament.
The full tournament bracket was released, with the First Four games starting on March 20-21 and the first round matchups following on March 22-23. The Lady Vols and their staff watched the Selection Show together, and Coach Harper is set to discuss their path in March Madness with media members.
This year, the Lady Vols are not just participating; they are poised to make a significant impact, fueled by their rich history, recent performances, and the strategic vision of their coaching staff.