One of Lady Vols basketball’s transfer portal additions from this offseason, Liberty guard Avery Mills, is set to be sidelined for an extended period of time with a serious knee injury. On Thursday, she announced that she had undergone successful surgery to repair her ACL and meniscus.
“Thank you Lord!!!” Mills wrote on Instagram. “After a successful ACL & Meniscus repair surgery, the comeback starts now! Not at all how I would’ve planned this summer to start, but if you know me you know that I trust His plan far more than mine. I encourage you to do the same! 2 Corinthians 12:9 – in our weakness is where we get to sit back & watch His strength come through! So beyond blessed & thankful to have the best teammates, coaches, staff & family to walk beside me on this journey. Taking this process day by day, brick by brick.. A1 will be back soon Rocky Top!”
Mills was a First-Team All-CUSA member last season. In 26 games and 25 starts, she averaged 15.3 points per game on 42.9% shooting from the field and 42.7% on threes. She also contributed 4.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game on the season.
As a freshman, Mills played in 33 games with no starts. She averaged 6.8 points on 51.9% shooting from the field, 46.2% on threes and 91.3% from the free throw line. This 50/40/90 line helped her earn a spot on the CUSA All-Freshman Team.
“Avery Mills brings toughness, leadership and sharp shooting that will translate to the SEC immediately,” Caldwell said after her signing. “She is a great player and an even better person. Her impact on our team will be great, both on and off the floor.”
View this post on Instagram
More From RTI: Game Date Announced for Lady Vols Basketball’s Road Game at Belmont
Mills is one of 15 incoming players to Tennessee’s roster this offseason, which had to be built from the ground up. The Lady Vols lost every player from last year’s roster due to eligibility or the transfer portal.
In response to the exodus to the portal, Caldwell attacked the transfer portal herself. Mills was the first commit, followed by Naomi White (Northern Arizona), Harper Peterson (Stanford), Zhen Craft (Georgia), Rylie Theuerkauf (Georgia), Harissoum Coulibaly (Auburn), Fatmata Janneh (Texas A&M), Kaylene Smikle (Maryland), Shaelyn Steele (Penn State), Jada Eads (Seton Hall), Aaliyah Moore (Texas), Kennedy Fauntleroy (ECU) and Riley Makalusky (West Virginia).
UT also brings in a pair of freshmen, four-star Gabby Minus and international prospect Irene Oboavwoduo, to fill out the roster.
