Kim Caldwell on losing Lady Vols senior guard Kaiya Wynn with season-ending injury
Kim Caldwell talked about senior guard Kaiya Wynn’s impact on Lady Vols basketball after she was announced out for the season with an Achilles injury.
Lady Vols basketball took a significant hit as senior guard Kaiya Wynn was ruled out for the season following an Achilles injury. Head coach Kim Caldwell expressed her admiration for Wynn’s contributions, not only on the court but also as a leader and role model for the younger players.
Wynn, known for her relentless energy and defensive prowess, had been a key part of Tennessee’s backcourt rotation. Despite the setback, Caldwell emphasized that Wynn’s impact on the program goes beyond her on-court performance.
“Not having Kaiya out there is a big blow, not just for her skill but for the heart and tenacity she brings to this team,” Caldwell said. “She’s one of our most experienced players, and that leadership is hard to replace. She’s been a mentor to the younger players, showing them what it means to compete at this level.”
Wynn, who was expected to be a critical piece in the Lady Vols’ pursuit of an SEC title this season, had earned respect across the league for her defensive versatility and aggressive style of play. She averaged 8.5 points and 4 rebounds per game last season, but her value to the team went beyond statistics.
“Kaiya’s presence on the defensive end is something we’ll miss greatly.
She’s one of those players who does the little things that don’t always show up on the stat sheet but make a huge difference in the flow of the game,” Caldwell added.
The Lady Vols will now look to their bench to fill the void left by Wynn, but Caldwell made it clear that the senior guard’s leadership would still play a role, even from the sidelines.
“Even though she won’t be on the floor, Kaiya’s voice will still be heard. She’s already taken a leadership role in mentoring the younger guards and helping them prepare. Her character and resilience are what this team needs right now.”
For Wynn, this marks a tough end to her final season in Knoxville, but Caldwell expressed confidence in her player’s ability to come back stronger.
“Kaiya has faced challenges before, and I know she’ll overcome this one too. She’s got that fighter’s spirit, and we’ll be supporting her every step of the way.”
The Lady Vols will continue their campaign with Wynn in their hearts, but the team knows they’ll need to come together even more in her absence as they fight for success in the 2024 season.
