It’s a Tough Blow: SMU Guard Nya Robertson Rejects Lady Vols Commitment After First Portal Addition Under Kim Caldwell

 

 

 

 

 

It’s a Tough Blow: SMU Guard Nya Robertson Rejects Lady Vols Commitment After First Portal Addition Under Kim Caldwell

 

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Just days after being celebrated as the first addition of the Kim Caldwell era, SMU guard Nya Robertson has reversed course and will no longer be joining the Tennessee Lady Vols.

 

Robertson, a high-scoring 5-foot-10 combo guard who entered the transfer portal after averaging 13.6 points per game at SMU last season, had announced her commitment to Tennessee earlier this week — a move that gave fans their first glimpse at the recruiting vision of Caldwell, who was hired in March to replace Kellie Harper. But that excitement turned to disappointment Saturday as multiple reports confirmed that Robertson had backed off her commitment and reopened her recruitment.

 

It’s a setback, no way around it — and the timing is less than ideal.

 

Robertson was supposed to be a cornerstone piece in the Lady Vols’ efforts to modernize and energize their backcourt, something Caldwell made clear would be a priority as she begins to reshape the roster. Her up-tempo system, which thrived at Marshall and Glenville State, requires versatile, aggressive guards who can score in bunches and defend at a high level. On paper, Robertson looked like a perfect fit.

 

Instead, Caldwell now has to return to the portal and continue building without what was seen as an early win.

 

“Nya’s decision is disappointing, but it’s part of today’s college landscape,” one source close to the program said. “You can’t let one swing miss stop the momentum. Caldwell and her staff are already focused on what’s next.”

 

What’s next, however, comes with pressure.

 

The Lady Vols have already seen a wave of departures from last season’s roster, including top scorer Rickea Jackson and standout point guard Jasmine Powell. With roster spots open and expectations sky-high at a program with Tennessee’s tradition, Caldwell doesn’t have time to slow down. Her fast-paced, full-court style promises a culture shift — but it requires players who buy in fully, and immediately.

 

Robertson’s reversal isn’t the end of the world, but it does leave a mark. Fans were eager to embrace the first big name to wear orange under Caldwell’s watch, and losing her before she ever arrived stings, especially in an offseason where positive momentum is critical.

 

The coaching staff is expected to remain aggressive in the transfer portal, with several other high-profile guards still available. Caldwell has already made contact with multiple players and is expected to host visits in the coming days.

 

Still, Saturday’s news serves as a reality check.

 

There’s no honeymoon period in Knoxville. Not when you coach the Lady Vols.

 

And for Kim Caldwell, who built her career on winning fast and pushing tempo, this first stumble may be just that — a stumble — but it’s a reminder that building a contender at Tennessee won’t happen overnight.

 

Even the best plans sometimes change. Now, the new era has its first test.

 

 

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Let me know if you want a follow-up on possible replacements or portal t

argets Caldwell might be eyeing next.