Newest transfers lead No. 22 Lady Vols past Colgate.
By Drew Lumpkin
Kennedi Rogers couldn’t be happier walking into her first post-game press conference as a Vol.
“It was really fun,” she said, boasting an infectious smile after a sweep against Colgate Friday night. It was her Volunteer debut, but Rogers’ play on the court was far from amateur.
“It’s really difficult for defenders to get into a rhythm or know what [Rogers] is going to do,” said Tennessee head coach Eve Rackham Watt. “I think I was most impressed by the back row kills and attacking because we are going to need that as a part of our offense.”
When Rogers signed in January, Rackham Watt knew that she was a point scorer; against Colgate, the outside hitter delivered with 27 total attempts and 14 kills.
Rogers’ play was backed by a record-setting crowd in the Food City Center; the Rocky Top faithful showed her an atmosphere worth performing for.
“I mean a fan base like that is like really different,” Rodger said. “My team was super into it, and it was really fun.”
Alongside Rogers were two other transfer students, three-time All-Sun Belt performer Jalyn Stout and outside hitter Nia Hall.
“I was really proud of how clean they played. We talked about going into the match with a really aggressive mentality. I thought it happened on the very first play of the game,” said Rackham Watt.
Stouts defined the aggressive mindset during her time at Coastal Carolina.
Stout was the only player in Division I to average at least 3.0 kills, 4.0 assists and 3.0 digs per set. She also totaled 12 triple-doubles, holding the career record at 46. Now, Lady Vol Stout has been praised not just for her play but also for her volleyball IQ.
“She’s got really good vision; she’s a super smart volleyball player,” said Rackam Watt.
Among the Lady Vol transfers, seven freshmen joined the roster. While the majority of the players are new to Rocky Top, there are some veterans left, keeping the consistency a Rackham Watt team can provide.
Fifth-year setter Caroline Kerr dealt the chances to the powerful offensive transfers.
Holding 80% of the team’s total assists at 36, sometimes there is nothing better than a long-standing player.
“It’s insane – she’s so amazing,” said Rogers. “I wish I had more years with her, but I’ll take what I can get.”
It wasn’t just Rogers who built rapport with the veteran Kerr; Stout is finding her rhythm too.
“[Jalyn] and Caroline’s connection has gotten better and better,” Rackham Watt said.
She’s not the only one; the All-American feels the bond too.
“I told her so early on. It’s so impressive how good she is at everything. I think she plays this unique role; she makes my job super easy,” said Kerr
Tennessee has reached the postseason in the past five seasons, but the Lady Vols have not made it past the first round since 2023.
Every team builds a bond. That bond usually takes years – yet an intense one for the Lady Vols has seemingly formed in just one offseason.
Rogers, Stout, and Hall were all scattered across the country last year, but this season starts with the three of them as Volunteers.
“I think the three of us coming in,” said Rogers. “From different schools, different programs, it’s unique; we all bring different things to the team. Jalen’s a lefty, Nia has amazing shots, we all feed each other really well.”
Even Kerr, who has been with Tennessee since the start of her collegiate career, sees the chemistry and potential.
“If I miss, I’m going to trust my attackers to do something good with it. We trust our ability; we need to be challenged to keep our composure,” said Kerr. “When a team makes a push that we will just work through it.”
Looking to find a new kind of postseason success, it’s a long road ahead. With one game down, the Lady Vols, new and old, continue their season against Morehead State and Fairfield on Saturday.