Tennessee Women’s Basketball Teammates Celebrate in Earnest the Commitment of New Star Shay Ciezki…
KNOXVILLE, TN – In what has quickly become one of the most jubilant moments of the offseason for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball program, the entire team is rejoicing with excitement and pride as former Penn State guard and rising star Shay Ciezki officially announced her commitment to join the Lady Vols. The announcement, which broke on social media and was soon confirmed by Tennessee Athletics, was met with pure elation by fans, coaches, and most especially her future teammates.
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The Big News: Shay Ciezki Chooses Rocky Top
Shay Ciezki, a 5-foot-7 dynamic guard who has made waves in the Big Ten with her exceptional playmaking and sharp shooting, is now headed to Knoxville to continue her collegiate career under new Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell. A native of Buffalo, New York, Ciezki averaged 11.6 points, 2.8 assists, and shot nearly 40% from three-point range during her sophomore season at Penn State.
Her decision to transfer comes at a transformative time for Tennessee women’s basketball, as the program is undergoing a revitalization under Caldwell’s leadership. And Ciezki’s arrival adds not just talent and depth but a boost of energy that has clearly ignited her soon-to-be teammates.
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Locker Room Buzz: Teammates React With Joy and Unity
The mood in the Lady Vols locker room quickly turned celebratory upon hearing the news. Star guard Jewel Spear, herself a recent transfer to Tennessee and one of the top returning scorers, posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Let’s gooooooo!! Shay is HOME!! Rocky Top just got even more dangerous!! #LadyVols #Family”
Senior post player Karoline Striplin shared a heartfelt message via Instagram stories:
“Welcome to the family, Shay! Can’t wait to battle alongside you and see what we can all build together. Big things coming!”
Freshman sensation Edie Darby, who emerged as a fan favorite last season, simply posted a gif of fireworks and the caption:
“This squad is SCARY now. Welcome Shay!”
It was not just the messages—videos surfaced showing the players meeting Shay on campus, cheering with open arms, and celebrating in earnest with a team dinner hosted by the coaching staff. The unity, chemistry, and positive vibe within the locker room is exactly the culture Coach Caldwell has been working to foster in her early days at the helm.
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A Perfect Fit: Why Shay Ciezki Chose Tennessee
In her official statement, Shay Ciezki expressed admiration for the Lady Vols’ history and excitement about what lies ahead.
> “I wanted to go somewhere I could grow both as a player and a person. Tennessee has always been a program of excellence, tradition, and heart. After meeting Coach Caldwell and getting to know the girls, I knew this was the place I belonged. I’m ready to embrace the culture, wear that orange and white proudly, and go to work for this team and this fanbase.”
Her words reflect a deep commitment to both the game and the legacy of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers—a program known worldwide due to the legendary Pat Summitt and the championship history the team still holds dear.
Coach Caldwell reciprocated the enthusiasm during a press availability, stating:
> “Shay is the kind of competitor we want wearing Tennessee across her chest. She’s gritty, intelligent, passionate, and fearless. What makes this even more special is how our players have embraced her already. This is a family—and Shay is one of us now.”
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What Shay Brings to the Table
Ciezki’s commitment is about more than just headlines—she brings real on-court production. Her sharp shooting, especially from beyond the arc, immediately addresses one of Tennessee’s needs. Her ability to create off the dribble, distribute effectively, and play scrappy defense makes her an all-around backcourt threat.
More importantly, she brings a fierce mentality. Known for her competitiveness and work ethic, Shay has drawn comparisons to past Tennessee guards who made a name for themselves through toughness and relentless effort.
Paired alongside players like Jewel Spear, Edie Darby, and incoming recruits, the Lady Vols now boast a backcourt that can compete with any team in the SEC.
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Fan Reactions: The Big Orange Nation Erupts
The Lady Vols fanbase, one of the most passionate in all of college sports, welcomed Ciezki with open arms. Twitter exploded with hashtags like #WelcomeShay, #GoLadyVols, and #RockyTopRising.
Longtime fans took to message boards and fan pages to express their excitement:
> “We’ve been missing that scrappy shooter since Evina Westbrook. Shay is going to be a spark plug!”
– VolNation user @LadyOrange7
> “This new team Coach Caldwell is building is giving me serious 2007 energy. So happy to see the girls excited too!”
– Twitter user @VolMama64
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Looking Ahead: New Era, New Energy
Ciezki’s commitment marks another major milestone in what is shaping up to be a dramatic resurgence for Tennessee women’s basketball. With a talented roster, a fresh coaching philosophy, and a renewed sense of unity among players, the Lady Vols are poised to reclaim their spot among the elite.
Expectations are growing, and the team isn’t shying away from them. During the same dinner celebration, cameras caught Shay raising a toast with her new teammates, reportedly saying:
> “To big dreams, to hard work, and to the road ahead—we’re not here to play it safe. We’re here to win.”
Those words say it all. Tennessee is back on the map—and with Shay Ciezki in orange and white, the road to the top just got a lot more interesting.
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Stay tuned, Lady Vol Nation. The best may be yet to come.
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