In a monumental development for women’s college basketball, the Tennessee Volunteers have secured a commitment from Sienna Betts, the nation’s top recruit for the class of 2025. Betts, a 6-foot-4 forward from Grandview High School in Aurora, Colorado, chose Tennessee over other powerhouse programs, including Texas, South Carolina, Texas Tech, and UCLA. This decision marks a significant shift in the collegiate basketball landscape and underscores the growing influence of the Volunteers under new head coach Kim Caldwell.
A Stellar High School Career
Betts has been a dominant force in high school basketball, earning numerous accolades throughout her tenure at Grandview High School. As a sophomore, she averaged 21.6 points, 16.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.0 steals, and 3.7 blocks per game. Her performance led Grandview to the Colorado Class 6A state championship, where she recorded 22 points and 20 rebounds in the title game. For her efforts, she was named Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year and Ms. Colorado Basketball.
Her junior year saw even more impressive stats, with Betts averaging 22.5 points, 15.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 3.3 blocks, and 2.2 steals per game. She secured her second consecutive Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year award and was named a finalist for the Naismith Award. In January 2025, Betts was selected to participate in the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Girls Game, further solidifying her status as a top-tier talent.
International Success
Beyond her high school achievements, Betts has also made a significant impact on the international stage. In May 2024, she was named to the United States under-18 national team for the FIBA Under-18 Women’s AmeriCup. Throughout the tournament, Betts averaged 13.2 points, 8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, leading the competition in efficiency while averaging just 16.9 minutes per game. In the gold medal game against Canada, she contributed 15 points and nine rebounds, helping the U.S. secure the championship and earning a spot on the all-tournament team.
A Change in Commitment
Betts’s commitment to Tennessee comes as a surprise to many, as she had previously signed a letter of intent with UCLA in November 2024. At that time, UCLA head coach Cori Close praised Betts, stating, “Sienna is flat out dominant on both ends of the floor. She is physical, strong, and aggressive! She also has an excellent touch, is an elite passer, and has added a deadly 3-point shot.” However, Betts has since reconsidered her options and decided that the University of Tennessee offers the best fit for her future aspirations.
Impact on Tennessee Women’s Basketball
The addition of Betts to the Tennessee roster is a significant coup for head coach Kim Caldwell, who has been at the helm for just under a year. Caldwell has already made waves in recruiting, securing a highly touted class that includes the “Twin Backcourt” point guards Mia and Mya Pauldo from Denville, New Jersey, as well as other top prospects such as Deniya Prawl from Toronto, Jaida Civil from Vero Beach, Florida, and Lauren Hurst from Cleveland, Tennessee. This group was previously ranked No. 1 by 247Sports and No. 2 by ESPN and World Exposure Report. Betts’s commitment elevates the class even further, positioning the Volunteers as a formidable force in the coming seasons.
Looking Ahead
Betts’s decision to join Tennessee not only enhances the team’s prospects but also signals a shift in the competitive dynamics of women’s college basketball. Her versatility, skill set, and leadership qualities are expected to make an immediate impact on the court. As the Volunteers prepare for the upcoming season, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how this influx of talent translates into performance.
In conclusion, Sienna Betts’s commitment to the Tennessee Volunteers marks a pivotal moment for the program. Her exceptional high school and international career achievements, coupled with her decision to join a burgeoning Tennessee squad under Coach Caldwell, set the stage for an exciting chapter in women’s college basketball.