On Monday, Lady Vols basketball lost its final potential returner to the transfer portal. Jaida Civil made the decision official on her Instagram, leaving the roster empty of returners for Kim Caldwell entering year three.
During her announcement, Civil shared a heartfelt message. She touched on playing for a prestigious program, the impact Kim Caldwell made on her and the difficulty of the decision.
Here’s what Civil wrote:
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“From the very first moment I stepped on campus, I knew this place was special. There was something different in the air — the history, the legacy, the standard. It wasn’t just a program, it was a tradition built on greatness. I fell in love with Tennessee instantly.
“Wearing the orange and white, representing something bigger than myself, and embracing the opportunity to help bring this program back to the highest level — that meant everything to me. It was more than a dream… it was purpose.
“To play for one of the best up and coming coaches in the country has been a true blessing. Coach Kim — I want you to know how much I genuinely love and appreciate you. The belief you had in me, the opportunity you gave me as a young woman trying to find her way — it changed my life. I will always carry that with me. Thank you to you and the entire staff for pouring into me and trusting me to be aprt of something so meaningful.
“To Lady Vol Nation — thank you. Thank you for every cheer, every message, every moment of support. I hope you felt my heart every time I stepped on that court, because I gave you everything I had. This place, these fans, and this experience will stay with me forever.
“With that being said, this has been the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make. After deep thought and prayer, I have decided to enter the transfer portal. This isn’t goodbye — it’s gratitude. Tennessee will always be a part of me.”
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Civil was one of the top pieces to sign to Tennessee in the extremely successful 2025 class. She was ranked as the No. 13 player in the nation and No. 1 small forward by 247 and was named a McDonald’s All-American.
Out of Vero Beach, Florida, Civil’s skillset translated quickly to the college level. She posted 6.4 points per game on 41.5% shooting from the field and 28.8% from three. In 30 appearances and 10 starts, she also notched 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.
Her departure marks all five freshmen from last year’s No. 2-ranked class departing after just one season. UT currently has no players on its roster from last year and just one incoming freshman, Gabby Minus, after Oliviyah Edwards requested to be released from her signing.
