Former Lady Vols basketball forward Lauren Hurst has committed to her new school out of the transfer portal. After spending just her freshman season with UT, the Cleveland, Tennessee, native has transferred to the ACC to join Virginia Tech.
This now means she’ll team back up with a former Tennessee teammate. Alyssa Latham announced her decision to join the Hokies as a grad transfer over a week ago.
Hurst was a four-star recruit and top-50 prospect out of high school. ESPNW ranked her as the No. 45 player in the class and No. 9 wing for the 2026 class. She is from Cleveland, Tennessee, just a drive from UT’s campus.
This season, Hurst didn’t crack the rotation for many minutes early, but was a factor down the stretch. She averaged 2.2 points per game on 48.8% shooting from the field and 41.4% on threes. She also averaged 1.6 rebounds and 0.7 assists per game in 24 appearances and one start.
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Hurst had the best game of her freshman season at Ole Miss. Despite the loss, she posted a career-high 16 points, nine rebounds and two steals in the game. This included four makes from three.
The 6-foot-3 forward is a two-sport star, as well. She also committed to play volleyball at Tennessee, and at the time of her commitment, planned to play both sports at UT. Hurst is also the younger sister of Vols basketball guard Grant Hurst.
Hurst is one of five freshmen from last year’s No. 2-ranked class in the country to sign with Tennessee. However, now, each is in the transfer portal. Hurst is the first of the group to announce her next stop, though. Deniya Prawl is reportedly visiting Louisville and Syracuse, and Mia and Mya Pauldo have been tied to Rutgers. Jaida Civil’s plans have not yet been reported on.
