In the fast-paced world of women’s college basketball, few players have captured the attention like Ruby Whitehorn. The Tennessee Lady Volunteers guard has been turning heads with her explosive first step, lockdown defense, and ability to take over games in crucial moments. Her growth has been remarkable, and with every game, she proves that she’s not just a rising star but a serious threat on the court.

Whitehorn, in her last matchup against UT Martin, had it all, scoring 18 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 assists in a performance that sums up her incredible growth into a top college basketball player. Now let’s look at how jersey No.2 has evolved over the years.

Ruby Whitehorn burst onto the college scene from high school

Ruby Whitehorn grew up in Detroit, Michigan. Standing at 6″, Whitehorn brings exceptional versatility to the guard position. A former Michigan Miss Basketball winner from Detroit Edison Public School Academy, she has seamlessly translated her high school dominance to the collegiate level. The city’s strong emphasis on sports undoubtedly played a role in her journey to becoming a standout player. With its competitive basketball scene, Detroit served as the perfect backdrop for Ruby to hone her abilities.

“Personally, I just like being on the ball. I feel like I’m a lot more active. I can see and rotate a lot better. It just helps me make sure I’m doing my job and helps me talk to my teammates so they can do their job too,” said Whitehorn during her latest game.

Looking at the 20-year-old’s highschool stats, she was destined for glory. One highlight includes an 18-point game paired with a career-high 14 rebounds against Florida State. Moreover, the young guard also clinched numerous accolades during her time in Detroit Edison Public School Academy such as the McDonald’s All-American and the Gatorade Michigan Girls Basketball Player of the Year. However, the list doesn’t end here. She was also included in the Jordan Brand All-American roster for her impact on the game.

“She doesn’t have to have the ball in her hand to be successful. She plays defense. She gets steals. She blocks shots, so she can change the game in any way possible on the floor and that’s what makes her so special,” said Monique Brown who was Whitehorn’s coach in Edison.

Ruby Whitehorn’s stats highlight her well-rounded abilities on the court, showcasing her versatility. Last season with the Clemson Tigers, she averaged 12.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, underscoring her all-around game. What truly stands out is her shooting efficiency; she boasts a 46.4% field goal percentage and has worked hard on her three-point shooting, hitting 27.5% from beyond the arc. This season, in just two games with the Lady Vols, she is averaging 14 points and 10 rebounds, continuing to demonstrate her improvement.

Whitehorn’s approach to the game reflects her adaptability and determination. “Sometimes it’s not going to be scoring, sometimes it’s going to be defense,” she said after a recent game. “We press a lot for defense, so it can be hard to maintain that type of energy throughout. If it’s a low-scoring night, then okay, get up and play some defense or go get some rebounds.”

The NCAA’s recent rule changes allowing student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) have already benefitted Whitehorn. Although exact figures aren’t available, high-profile athletes like her typically secure lucrative NIL deals. With her reputation and accomplishments, she has a strong marketability in today’s NIL landscape. Currently, she holds an NIL ranking of #329, though details about her social media presence remain limited.

Looking ahead, Whitehorn’s trajectory suggests even greater things to come. Fans will be waiting for the 20-year-old to show her skills again when the Tennessee Lady Volunteers take on the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders next Wednesday. However, did you know what what message Whitehorn’s coach has for the other teams?

Whitehorn’s coach Kim Caldwell’s fierce message for opponents

Tennessee Volunteers women’s basketball head coach Kim Caldwell is rapidly establishing a name for herself as a fiery leader with high standards. Caldwell, a well-known hard worker and fiery coach, has turned Tennessee into a real viable force in the SEC. However, she has recently made headlines for her bold statement.

The 35-year-old began her coaching career at Ohio Valley as an Assistant coach in 2011 and she went on to become a head coach at Glenville State and Marshall before getting hired by Tennesee. However, after their Lady Vols’ recent victory against Samford Bulldogs (101-53), Caldwell issued a bold warning for the Southeastern Conference opponents in an interview with SEC Network. “You’re gonna hate playing us. Simple,” Caldwell said.

Despite this fierce warning, the former Glenville State player has been quite optimistic regarding her team. “A lot of what we do, we need equal or better talent, so we’re going to have to grow it. But I think it is just making teams uncomfortable and making people play the way they don’t want to. We’re not going to try to beat them at their own game. We’re going to try to beat them at a different game. We’re going to try to make them beat us at our game,” said Caldwell. It can be said that this optimistic attitude has paid off since the Tennessee team bested the UT Martin (90-50).