In the world of women’s college basketball, few programs can rival the legacy of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers. With eight NCAA championship titles, they remain a powerhouse in history, second only to UConn’s unmatched record of 11. Yet, the golden era of the Lady Vols has long since faded. Their last triumph came over 16 years ago, with back-to-back championship victories in 2007 and 2008. Since then, they haven’t even made it to the Final Four—a drought that has left fans nostalgic for their once-dominant presence.

But under the leadership of head coach Kim Caldwell, there’s a renewed sense of determination in Knoxville. While a championship run might not be on the immediate horizon, the Lady Vols are clearly laying the groundwork for a resurgence. A key piece of that vision? The addition of Lauren Hurst, a talented commitment from the Class of 2025, who joins a growing roster of promising young players ready to restore Tennessee’s place among the elite.

Lauren Hurst: Top-Ranked Recruit from the state of Tennesse

Lauren Hurst has officially joined the Tennessee Volunteers, becoming the 5th standout recruit for the Orange. She joins a star-studded class that already includes twin point guards Mia and Mya Pauldo, versatile guard Jaida Civil, and five-star sensation Deniya Prawl. Hurst’s journey to Knoxville wasn’t without its fair share of options. A highly sought-after recruit since her junior year, she fielded offers from some of the nation’s top programs.

But after careful consideration, she narrowed her choices to three: NC State, Clemson, and Tennessee. On November 18, 2024, the talented guard made her decision official, announcing she’ll be suiting up in the iconic orange and white for the 2025 season. The decision may have been influenced by her roots, as she currently represents Cleveland High School in Tennessee.

Ranked 42nd in ESPN’s Class of 2025 rankings, Hurst brings her four-star forward status to Knoxville and becomes the fourth Tennessee signee within the Top 50.

When it comes to homegrown talent, Hurst stands tall as Tennessee’s top-ranked recruit. Representing the Cleveland Lady Raiders, Hurst delivered an impressive junior season, showcasing her all-around game with averages of 14.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. She also proved her shooting range, connecting on 36% of her 119 three-point attempts and 44% from the field overall.

Last year, the 6’2″ athlete made remarkable statement by leading the Lady Raiders to the state basketball tournament for the first time in over a decade. Her talent didn’t stop at the state level. In May, Hurst earned a spot among just 44 players invited to the USA Women’s U17 National Team trials, a prestigious opportunity that put her on the national stage. While she didn’t make the final roster, the invitation itself was a testament to her growing reputation and potential.

Well, basketball talent clearly runs in Hurst’s family. Lauren is the younger sister of Grant Hurst, who initially played for UT Martin Skyhawks before transferring to Tennessee. However, Grant’s impact on the court has been limited to two years. Now, as she prepares to join Coach Caldwell’s squad, Lauren aims to make her mark and elevate the family name in Volunteer basketball lore.

However, in addition to her impressive basketball skills, Lauren Hurst brings another talent to the table. As she heads to Knoxville, she’s eager to continue showcasing this unique ability alongside her basketball prowess.

Lauren Hurst: A Two-Sport Talent

Lauren Hurst isn’t just a standout on the basketball court—she’s also a two-sport phenom. Over the past two seasons, she was named Tennessee’s Gatorade Player of the Year in volleyball, further cementing her place as one of the state’s top athletes. Hurst led the Cleveland volleyball team to back-to-back Class AAA state championships, and by the time she wrapped up her prep career, she had racked up an impressive 2,607 kills and 1,227 digs.

“Tennessee wasn’t the only school that’s letting me do both. It didn’t really come down to that in just the two-sport thing. It was a big decision. I’m still going to pursue it, but I’m not 100 percent sure. Definitely looking forward to trying it,” Lauren told local media. Therefore, her willingness to continue playing both basketball and volleyball was a key factor in her decision to commit to Coach Caldwell’s squad, with the Lady Vols offering her the flexibility to excel in both sports.

As Lauren Hurst embarks on her journey with the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, her diverse talents promise a bright future for the program. She represents the next generation of talent that could help restore Tennessee to its position as one of the nation’s top basketball programs. However, Coach Kim Caldwell is focused on the present, leading the team through a strong current season. With a perfect 4-0 record to start the 2024-25 season, the Lady Vols are setting the stage for a successful year.