The Tennessee Lady Vols have made their first major move in the 2026 transfer portal, securing a commitment from Liberty guard Avery Mills. This marks a significant early addition for head coach Kim Caldwell as she looks to reshape the roster following a 16-14 season that ended with a first-round NCAA Tournament exit.

Mills, a 5-foot-9 sophomore, brings proven scoring and experience to Knoxville. Over two seasons with the Flames, she appeared in 59 games with 25 starts, averaging 10.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per contest. Her immediate impact was clear as a freshman, earning Conference USA Freshman of the Week honors twice while being the only freshman to play in all 33 games during the 2024-25 season.

The Lynchburg, Virginia native was a prolific high school star at Liberty Christian Academy, amassing over 2,750 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 500 assists. That well-rounded offensive pedigree should fit well into Coach Caldwell's system as the Lady Vols aim to bounce back in the SEC.

With the transfer portal now officially open, this commitment signals the beginning of Tennessee's crucial offseason roster construction. Adding a player of Mills' caliber provides an immediate backcourt boost and sets the tone for the program's reloading efforts.