Daily Report: USA TODAY Sports Network 2025 All-SEC women’s basketball awards for coach and player of the year.

Daily Report: USA TODAY Sports Network 2025 All-SEC Women’s Basketball Awards for Coach and Player of the Year

As college basketball continues to rise in popularity and significance, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) remains one of the most competitive and prestigious leagues in women’s college basketball. The 2025 SEC season has been one for the record books, with standout performances, exciting finishes, and exceptional coaching. With the end of the season in sight, the USA TODAY Sports Network has unveiled its 2025 All-SEC Women’s Basketball Awards, shining a light on the league’s best players and coaches. These honors are crucial in recognizing the hard work and dedication of both the athletes and their leaders who helped their teams succeed at the highest level. Among these accolades, the SEC Player of the Year and SEC Coach of the Year are the most prestigious awards, symbolizing the pinnacle of achievement in the league.

In this report, we will delve into the 2025 All-SEC Women’s Basketball Awards for both the Coach of the Year and Player of the Year categories, analyzing the performances, key contributors, and coaching strategies that led to these prestigious recognitions.

SEC Player of the Year: A Historic Achievement

The SEC Player of the Year award is one of the most coveted individual honors in women’s college basketball, and in 2025, the winner of this award left an indelible mark on the conference. Jordan Horston, a senior guard from the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, earned the SEC Player of the Year title for her spectacular performance throughout the season.

Jordan Horston’s Remarkable 2025 Season

Jordan Horston’s season has been nothing short of historic. A 6-foot-2 guard with the versatility to play multiple positions, Horston has proven herself to be one of the most dominant and complete players in the nation. She has been a force on both ends of the court, and her leadership on the floor helped guide the Tennessee Lady Volunteers to one of the top spots in the SEC standings.

Over the course of the season, Horston averaged an impressive 21.2 points per game, 8.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, showcasing her all-around game. Her scoring ability was on full display as she led Tennessee’s offense, hitting big shots in critical moments and earning praise for her ability to create offense in various ways. Whether it was driving to the basket, pulling up for mid-range shots, or knocking down three-pointers, Horston could do it all. Her ability to attack the basket with power and finesse made her nearly unstoppable, and she often drew fouls, getting to the free-throw line regularly.

In addition to her offensive contributions, Horston’s rebounding and passing were crucial to Tennessee’s success. Averaging over 8 rebounds per game from the guard position is a remarkable feat, and it demonstrates her tenacity and determination. As one of the best rebounders in the league, Horston often helped her team secure second-chance opportunities and stifle opponents’ offensive efforts. Her playmaking abilities also set her apart from other players in the SEC, as she consistently found open teammates and made plays that led to easy baskets.

On the defensive end, Horston’s length and athleticism made her a disruptive force. Her ability to guard multiple positions allowed Tennessee to switch on screens and create difficult matchups for opponents. She averaged 2.1 steals per game, proving her effectiveness in creating turnovers and pushing the tempo in transition. Horston’s complete skill set made her a nightmare for opposing teams, and her ability to impact every facet of the game played a pivotal role in Tennessee’s success throughout the season.

Horston’s Leadership and Impact on Tennessee’s Success

Beyond her individual numbers, Horston’s leadership has been a key factor in Tennessee’s success this season. As a senior, she embraced the role of leader both on and off the court. Horston’s ability to lift her teammates and elevate their performances helped Tennessee navigate the challenges of the SEC and emerge as one of the conference’s top teams.

Horston’s leadership on the floor was evident during big games against rival teams like South Carolina and LSU, where her clutch performances ensured Tennessee’s place near the top of the standings. Whether it was through scoring, rebounding, or facilitating, Horston stepped up when her team needed her the most. Her poise under pressure and her ability to remain calm in crucial moments were key components of Tennessee’s ability to close out tight games and compete at the highest level.

For her incredible season and the immense impact she had on the Tennessee Lady Volunteers’ success, Jordan Horston earned the 2025 SEC Player of the Year honors.

SEC Coach of the Year: The Mastermind Behind Tennessee’s Success

As much as Jordan Horston’s performance was a driving force for Tennessee, the 2025 SEC Coach of the Year award went to Tennessee’s head coach, Kellie Harper, who played an instrumental role in guiding the Lady Volunteers to an elite level of play in the conference. Harper’s ability to maximize the talents of her players, including Horston, and develop a team that could consistently compete with the best in the SEC earned her the coveted SEC Coach of the Year title.

Kellie Harper’s Coaching Excellence

Since taking over the Tennessee program in 2019, Kellie Harper has transformed the Lady Volunteers into a perennial powerhouse in women’s college basketball. In 2025, Harper’s leadership and tactical brilliance were on full display, as she guided her team to one of the best seasons in the conference.

Under Harper’s leadership, Tennessee finished the regular season with an SEC-best 15-3 record in conference play, securing one of the top spots in the league. The Lady Volunteers’ success can be attributed to Harper’s coaching philosophy, which emphasizes toughness, discipline, and team-oriented basketball. Harper has done an excellent job of instilling a defensive-minded approach, with Tennessee ranking as one of the best defensive teams in the SEC. Her ability to develop and implement an effective game plan for each matchup allowed Tennessee to consistently execute under pressure, earning them victories over some of the top teams in the nation.

One of Harper’s key achievements in 2025 was her ability to adapt and get the most out of her roster. While Jordan Horston’s individual brilliance certainly stood out, Harper was able to surround her with a talented supporting cast, including Keyen Green, Tiffany Jackson, and Sara Puckett, all of whom played vital roles in the team’s success. Harper’s emphasis on player development has been a key factor in elevating the performances of her players, and this has been especially evident with the development of young talents like Jordyn Cambridge, who made an immediate impact in her freshman year under Harper’s guidance.

Harper’s ability to balance offensive and defensive schemes, make in-game adjustments, and maintain consistency throughout the season earned her the respect of her peers and media. Her calm demeanor and focused leadership style provided the foundation for Tennessee to remain competitive in a loaded SEC. Furthermore, Harper’s success in recruiting top-tier talent, including Aaliyah Chavez, who is expected to join the program in the coming year, ensures that Tennessee will remain a top contender for years to come.

Harper’s Legacy at Tennessee

Kellie Harper’s 2025 SEC Coach of the Year award is a reflection of the hard work she has put into revitalizing the Tennessee women’s basketball program. The Lady Volunteers are no longer just a team with a storied history; they are once again among the elite teams in the country, and much of that success can be attributed to Harper’s leadership and vision. Under her guidance, Tennessee has developed into a program that competes year in and year out for championships, both in the SEC and on the national stage.

Other Notable SEC Players and Coaches

While Jordan Horston and Kellie Harper dominated the 2025 SEC Player of the Year and Coach of the Year awards, there were several other players and coaches in the SEC who had standout seasons.

Player of the Year Finalists

• Aliyah Boston (South Carolina): The two-time SEC Player of the Year and National Player of the Year finalist was once again a dominant force in the league, leading South Carolina to a second-place finish in the SEC standings. Boston averaged 18.6 points and 12.1 rebounds, continuing to showcase her elite skill set and leadership.
• Rhyne Howard (Kentucky): The senior guard finished her stellar career with a strong season, averaging 22.0 points and being one of the most consistent performers in the league. Howard’s play was crucial in Kentucky’s run to the SEC tournament championship game.

Coach of the Year Finalists

• Dawn Staley (South Carolina): While South Carolina fell just short of Tennessee in the regular-season standings, Dawn Staley continued to excel in coaching, leading the Gamecocks to a 14-4 conference record and making them one of the top teams in the nation.
• Kim Mulkey (LSU): In her second season at LSU, Mulkey helped the Tigers make a significant jump in the standings, finishing fourth in the SEC. Her tactical acumen and ability to get the most out of her players, including Angel Reese, earned her a place as one of the top coaching minds in the conference.