By Lily Helton
Ahead of the final home game against Alabama, the Lady Vols volleyball team honored four seniors during a senior ceremony. The crowd celebrated their accomplishments as the seniors emerged from the tunnel at Food City Center, surrounded by friends and family.
“I can’t talk about the seniors without getting pretty emotional,” said head coach Eve Rackham Watt. “I’m just so happy for them; we were able to have a great weekend.”
Nia Hall
Nia Hall was the first senior to walk through the tunnel. She began her career in 2023 at Cleveland St., where she earned All-Horizon First Team honors two years in a row. Hall then transferred to South Carolina, where she led the Gamecocks in kills and kills per set. At Tennessee for her senior season, she has made 13 court appearances with 55 kills, ten total blocks, and 61 points created.
“She’s a lot of power, great athlete,” said Rackham Watt. “She’s been ready every time her number is called to go out there and perform.”
Sydney Jaynes
Defensive specialist Sydney Jaynes followed Hall through the tunnel. Jaynes has been one of Tennessee’s biggest threats at the service line, with 53 career aces. The Minnesota native has spent her entire collegiate career at Tennessee and has 143 career digs. She has also been crucial in the Lady Vols’ success during out-of-system rallies, racking up 22 assists.
“I just want to do whatever is best for my team,” said Jaynes.
Mackenzie Plante
Outside hitter Mackenzie Plante, arm in arm with her parents, was third to walk through the tunnel. Plante battled an injury during the 2025-2026 season, but was a 6-rotation power hitter as a junior. She has spent all four years at Tennessee and helped lead her team to the Sweet Sixteen in 2023. Plante has recorded 221 kills, 332 digs, and 31 blocks.
“I think it means a lot just wearing the Lady Vol logo,” said Plante. “I’m very grateful.”
Caroline Kerr
The final senior to walk through the tunnel was star setter, Caroline Kerr. Kerr has been with the Lady Vols her entire career and has led them to NCAA tournament appearances every year since 2023. Kerr is a three-time All-American and has been named SEC Setter of the Week nine times.
She hit a major milestone in the 2026 season of 4,000 assists for only the third time in program history. She has led on and off the court during her five-year tenure and brings a unique competitive edge the team will miss in the upcoming seasons.
“The only thing the seniors want to do is win,” said Rackham Watt.
UP NEXT: These Lady Vols seniors have made transformative impacts during their time in the program. Their dedication, leadership, and passion have left a lasting impression on the seven freshmen this season.
With back-to-back sweeps in the SEC, the Lady Vols are closing out the 2026 season on the road, with the next match against the Georgia Bulldogs on Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. ET.
“We’re so hungry and doing our best as a unit,” said Hall. “We’re all really, really excited.”