The Lady Vols will return to Brooklyn for the 2025 Women’s Champions Classic, showcasing top-tier women’s basketball in an exciting East Coast matchup.

In college basketball, few events generate as much excitement and anticipation as the annual Women’s Champions Classic. Known for featuring some of the best women’s basketball programs in the nation, the event serves as an early-season showcase for top-tier teams, offering fans a first look at the title contenders. For the Tennessee Lady Vols, the news that they will return to Brooklyn for the Women’s Champions Classic in 2025 is not just a chance to compete against some of the best teams in the country, but a symbolic return to a stage where their legacy is honored, and their future is forged.

The Lady Vols’ history in women’s basketball is storied, with eight NCAA championships, numerous SEC titles, and a tradition of excellence that spans decades. For Tennessee basketball, a return to this prestigious event isn’t just about getting back on the national stage; it’s about continuing to build on a legacy while embracing the future. The 2025 Women’s Champions Classic provides a moment for the Lady Vols to showcase their talent and remind the basketball world why they are consistently considered one of the sport’s premier programs.

In this article, we’ll explore the significance of the Lady Vols’ return to Brooklyn for the Women’s Champions Classic, examining how the event reflects the program’s continued rise, its commitment to success, and its place in the national conversation about women’s basketball.

The Women’s Champions Classic: A Prestigious Event

The Women’s Champions Classic, launched in 2015, has become one of the most anticipated events in women’s college basketball. Similar in format to its men’s counterpart, the Women’s Champions Classic brings together elite teams to compete in a neutral-site, high-profile setting. For many programs, it is the perfect opportunity to showcase their talents early in the season against some of the best teams in the country.

The event, typically held in large arenas in major metropolitan areas like New York, provides a national platform for teams to gain exposure. For fans, it’s a chance to see high-level competition early in the season, while for the players and coaches, it’s a chance to test themselves against the very best.

For the Lady Vols, this event is particularly meaningful. Tennessee has long been one of the most successful programs in women’s basketball history, consistently competing for national championships and producing future WNBA stars. Returning to the Women’s Champions Classic in 2025 is not only a chance to compete at a high level but also to reinstate Tennessee as a fixture among the elite programs in the sport. With such a rich history and culture of excellence, the Lady Vols have always belonged on this stage, and their return to Brooklyn in 2025 signals that they are ready to once again compete for national supremacy.

The Lady Vols’ Historic Legacy in Women’s Basketball

Tennessee’s rich legacy in women’s basketball cannot be understated. From Pat Summitt’s legendary coaching career to the countless championships, All-Americans, and WNBA players the program has produced, the Lady Vols are synonymous with success. The program has eight NCAA titles, which is tied for the most in the history of women’s college basketball. Under Summitt, Tennessee dominated the women’s basketball scene, with the Lady Vols often finishing as one of the top teams in the nation year in and year out.

Pat Summitt, who coached the Lady Vols from 1985 to 2012, revolutionized women’s college basketball and was a driving force behind the growing popularity of the sport. Summitt’s teams were known for their disciplined play, remarkable defense, and ability to compete at the highest level. Her contributions to the game are still felt today, and her legacy is woven into the fabric of Tennessee’s program.

Since Summitt’s retirement, the Lady Vols have experienced some growing pains as they transitioned to a new era. However, Tennessee has always remained a top program, and they’ve continually been in the conversation as one of the nation’s best teams. Coaches like Holly Warlick and Kellie Harper have kept the Lady Vols competitive, building upon the foundation laid by Summitt. The program has had to navigate changes in the women’s basketball landscape, but the Lady Vols have remained a respected and formidable opponent.

Now, with the return to the Women’s Champions Classic in 2025, Tennessee is in the midst of a resurgence. Under head coach Kellie Harper, the program has begun to regain its status as a national contender. The Lady Vols are once again a team to be reckoned with, and their return to Brooklyn for this prestigious event is a reflection of their ongoing rise.

Kellie Harper’s Leadership: Steering Tennessee Toward Glory

Since taking over as head coach in 2019, Kellie Harper has instilled a new sense of direction and optimism into the Lady Vols program. Harper, a former player and assistant coach at Tennessee, understands the expectations that come with wearing the Lady Vols jersey. She has embraced the challenge of continuing Tennessee’s winning tradition while also modernizing the team’s approach to compete in today’s college basketball landscape.

Under Harper’s guidance, the Lady Vols have seen substantial improvements. Tennessee has consistently been ranked in the top 25, made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, and developed a reputation for playing tough, hard-nosed basketball. While the program still has goals of reaching the same heights as during the Pat Summitt era, Harper has been able to establish a foundation of success, building a team that can contend for SEC and national championships.

The 2025 Women’s Champions Classic will be a key moment in Harper’s tenure. For her, this event represents an opportunity to test her team early against some of the best in the country. It’s a chance for Tennessee to prove that they are not just a team on the rise but a program that can once again compete for national titles. The Women’s Champions Classic is the perfect venue for Harper to make that statement, as it will provide a national stage and showcase her team’s progress.

The Lady Vols’ Roster: Talent Ready for the Spotlight

The Lady Vols’ roster is stacked with talent heading into the 2025 season, and the Women’s Champions Classic will provide a stage for these players to shine. Whether it’s veterans who have been the backbone of the team for years or incoming freshmen with immense potential, Tennessee’s roster is deep, talented, and ready to take on any challenge.

Several key players are expected to be at the forefront of Tennessee’s success in 2025. Players like Jordan Horston, Tamari Key, and Rickea Jackson have the potential to dominate on both ends of the floor. Horston, a standout guard, has proven to be one of the most dynamic players in the SEC, combining scoring, playmaking, and leadership. Jackson, an explosive forward, has the ability to create mismatches for opposing teams and is a true game-changer when she’s at her best. Key, one of the top shot-blockers in the nation, anchors Tennessee’s defense and provides a presence in the paint that will be vital in big games.

The incoming freshmen and transfers will also play a key role in the Lady Vols’ return to prominence. With the addition of top-tier recruits, including players with championship pedigrees and impressive high school careers, the Lady Vols are looking to reload with fresh talent that can contribute immediately. These new players will be tasked with stepping up in the high-pressure environment of the Women’s Champions Classic and proving that they are ready to carry on Tennessee’s legacy.

As the Lady Vols return to Brooklyn in 2025, their roster will be the centerpiece of their ambitions for the season. The team’s blend of experience, leadership, and young talent provides the perfect formula for success in one of the most competitive events of the year.

The Significance of Playing in Brooklyn

The 2025 Women’s Champions Classic will be held in the heart of Brooklyn, one of the most iconic sports cities in the world. For Tennessee, this location is especially significant. Brooklyn is a hotbed for basketball, home to the Brooklyn Nets and countless high school and amateur basketball programs that continue to produce top-tier talent. The chance to play in this vibrant basketball city adds another layer of prestige to the event and makes it a must-watch for fans both nationally and locally.

For the Lady Vols, this game represents not only an opportunity to face top-tier competition but also a chance to reassert themselves as one of the most prominent programs in the sport. Brooklyn’s proximity to New York City offers an opportunity to reach new fans and expand the program’s national footprint. The media exposure surrounding an event like the Women’s Champions Classic ensures that Tennessee’s performance will be broadcasted to millions, helping to boost the program’s profile and further solidify their place among the elite in women’s college basketball.

Moreover, the 2025 Women’s Champions Classic will give Tennessee’s players a chance to experience the unique atmosphere of playing in such a storied and electrifying city. The energy of Brooklyn will provide a thrilling environment for the Lady Vols to showcase their talents and rise to the occasion.

Looking Toward the Future

As the Lady Vols prepare for their return to the Women’s Champions Classic in 2025, it’s clear that this is not just a one-off event for the program. It represents a broader commitment to competing at the highest level and continuing to build a championship-caliber roster. The Lady Vols are determined to return to the pinnacle of women’s basketball, and events like the Champions Classic are crucial in laying the foundation for future success.

With the leadership of Kellie Harper, the talent on the roster, and the energy surrounding the program, Tennessee is primed for a breakout season. The 2025 Women’s Champions Classic will serve as a critical stepping stone in that journey, providing the Lady Vols with the opportunity to prove that they are back among the nation’s elite. It will

also serve as a reminder to the college basketball world that Tennessee’s rich legacy is far from over.

The future of the Lady Vols looks bright, and their return to Brooklyn for the Women’s Champions Classic is just the beginning of what could be a championship run. As Tennessee continues to rise, the Lady Vols will once again make their mark on the national stage, earning the respect and recognition that comes with competing at the highest level of women’s college basketball.