Tennessee Athletics Unveils 2025 Hall of Fame Class
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Tennessee Athletics Unveils 2025 Hall of Fame Class

February 13, 2025

Eight distinguished UT standouts in six sports

GeneralFebruary 13, 2025

On Thursday, the University of Tennessee announced the 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame class, honoring eight former student-athletes for their significant contributions. The class will be honored in Knoxville on April 11-12, celebrating their lasting impact on UT Athletics.

The 2025 class includes five Vols and three Lady Vols.

  • Eric Berry (Football)
  • A.W. Davis (Men’s Basketball, Posthumously)
  • Jenny Connolly (Women’s Swimming & Diving)
  • Mike Masters (Men’s Swimming & Diving)
  • Lauryn McCalley (Women’s Swimming & Diving)
  • Lindsay Schutzler (Softball)
  • Mike Sposa (Men’s Golf)
  • Tony White (Men’s Basketball)

“Every year, it’s incredible to witness the extraordinary talent we have here on Rocky Top, and we are excited to honor this exceptional group,” stated Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Danny White. “Our success is firmly rooted in the achievements of our remarkable former student-athletes, and we take great pride in inducting this outstanding class into our Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame.”

The 2025 Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame weekend will be April 11-12. The induction ceremony is on Friday, April 11, inside the Food City Center. The following day, the group will be honored at Tennessee’s football spring Orange & White game at Neyland Stadium.

Eric Berry | Football | 2007-09
The only two-time unanimous All-American in Tennessee football history, Eric Berry cemented himself as one of the program’s all-time greats from 2007-09. Berry claimed the Jim Thorpe Award in 2009 as the nation’s top defensive back after being a finalist in 2008. A finalist for the 2009 Nagurski Trophy, Berry led Tennessee to two bowl berths, including a 21-17 win over Wisconsin in the 2008 Outback Bowl, which gave the Vols a final No. 12 ranking. A Freshman All-American, the dynamic safety helped the Vols bring home the SEC East title in 2007. A three-time All-SEC selection, Berry was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2008 after leading the conference with seven interceptions. Berry’s tenure on Rocky Top established him as the SEC’s all-time leader in career interception return yards (494) and single-season interception return yards (265 in 2008). He also holds the Vol record for career yards (35.3) per interception. Berry, who played nine NFL seasons, was inducted into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame and the state of Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2023. The Fairburn, Georgia, native was also selected to the SEC Legends Class in 2024.

Jenny Connolly | Women’s Swimming & Diving | 2009-12
One of the best backstrokers and butterfliers in school history, Jenny Connolly amassed 14 SEC medals, five NCAA medals and 22 All-America certificates during her decorated career on Rocky Top. The four-time All-SEC selection is the only swimmer in Lady Vol history to be SEC champion in the 100 back, a feat she achieved twice. Connolly won four individual conference titles, adding a pair in the 100 fly, and was a member of four SEC champion relays throughout her career. She also enjoyed success on the national stage, bringing home one silver medal and four bronze medals. She posted three top-8 finishes in the 100 back—highlighted by winning bronze in 2012—and two in the 100 fly. Connolly left Tennessee as the school record holder in the 100 back (51.34) and ranked second in the 100 fly (51.21). Today, she ranks fourth and fifth, respectively, in those events.

A.W. Davis | Men’s Basketball | 1962-65 (Posthumous)
The fifth First Team All-American in program history, A.W. Davis collected the distinction in 1964-65 from the Helms Athletic Foundation and the USBWA. A two-time First Team All-SEC designee, Davis ended his career as Tennessee’s career leader in free-throw percentage (80.5), while placing second in scoring (17.3), fourth in double-doubles (23) and fifth in rebounding average (8.1). Sixty years later, those figures remain seventh, No. 13, No. 14 and No. 12, respectively. Selected in the fifth round of the 1965 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, Davis served as UT’s assistant freshman coach (1969-70) and varsity assistant (1970-75), helping the Volunteers claim the 1971-72 SEC regular season title. After his coaching career, Davis worked as the Tennessee basketball analyst (1979-82).  He was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Greater Knoxville Hall of Fame in 1988. A 2000 SEC Legend honoree, Davis passed away on Sept. 23, 2014, in Knoxville. 

Mike Masters | Men’s Swimming & Diving | 1985-88
One of the most decorated swimmers in Tennessee history, Mike Masters concluded his time as a Vol as a program record holder, a 12-time All-American and a two-time SEC champion. A sprint freestyle specialist, Masters’ best season came in 1987, when he won the SEC title in the 100 and 200 freestyles. He followed that performance by winning bronze in the 100 free at the NCAA Championships and adding a fourth-place finish in the 50 free. Throughout his career, he tallied 10 medals at the conference meets. He was named the team captain of the 1988 squad. His top time in the 100 free of 43.21 from the 1988 NCAA Championships broke the school record and would stand until 1996. Masters is currently a member of the UT’s Shareholder Society.

Lauryn McCalley | Women’s Swimming & Diving | 2001-05
The 2005 NCAA Woman of the Year, Lauryn McCalley, was the epitome of student-athlete during her time on Rocky Top. Excelling both in the pool and the classroom, she was a five-time All-American diver for the Lady Vols and earned Academic All-America honors four times throughout her career. Receiving her degree in microbiology, McCalley won the prestigious H. Boyd McWhorter SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year award in 2005. She was named to GLAMOUR Magazine’s Top 10 College Women list in 2004, and in her first season at Tennessee, she garnered the 2002 SEC Freshman Diver of the Year honor. When her UT career ended, she ranked second all-time on the top-10 program leaderboard on 1-meter and was third on 3-meter. More than 20 years later, her top effort on 1-meter (313.20) still ranks eighth in program history. She was a member of the United States National Team from 1995-2004, and she’s a member of the Georgia Aquatic Hall of Fame (class of 2016).

Lindsay Schutzler | Softball | 2004-07
Lindsay Schutzler is one of the top hitters in Tennessee softball history and a three-time All-American, earning first-team honors as a junior. Many of Schutzler’s records still stand, including career marks for hits (362), triples (20), at-bats (946), and games played (296). She also led the Lady Vols to their first Women’s College World Series appearance in 2005, launching a streak of three consecutive trips to Oklahoma City. Equally accomplished in the classroom, Schutzler was a three-time Academic All-American and twice named Academic All-American of the Year—the first of four Lady Vols to receive the honor and the only two-time honoree in program history. In 2007, she was the first Lady Vol to earn SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year recognition. Schutzler’s induction into the University of Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame in 2025 marks her as the fifth softball player to be honored and joins former teammates Monica Abbott (2017) and Sarah Fekete (2024).

Mike Sposa | Men’s Golf | 1988-91
Mike Sposa is one of the most distinguished golfers in Tennessee history. The Teaneck, New Jersey, native was a two-time All-SEC selection and is just one of six Vols to earn multiple All-America honors. In 1990, Sposa etched his name in SEC history after claiming the individual SEC Championship title to become the third player in school history to accomplish the feat. In that same year, Sposa guided UT to a team SEC Championship. Throughout his collegiate career, Sposa won two individual titles and teed it up in 133 18-hole rounds while posting a 72.06 career scoring average. After he concluded his time on Rocky Top, Sposa played professionally and was a member of the PGA TOUR and Nationwide Tour (currently known as the Korn Ferry Tour) from 1994-2007. 

Tony White | Men’s Basketball | 1983-87
The only player in Tennessee history to lead the SEC in scoring in back-to-back seasons, Tony White holds the highest (51) and third-highest (49) single-game point totals ever by a Volunteer. He is one of three UT players to score 550-plus points in three separate seasons, and his 16 30-point performances rank third all-time. Nine of those, co-second on the program’s single-season leaderboard, came in 1986-87, when White was the UPI Co-SEC Player of the Year, as well as an AP and UPI Third Team All-American. A three-time All-SEC selection, including a two-time first-team choice, and a two-time SEC All-Tournament pick, White ranks sixth in SEC history with 2,219 points and No. 10 with 846 made field goals. Among Volunteers, he is third in scoring, fourth in made field goals, fifth in made free throws (499), fifth in free-throw attempts (594), fifth in minutes (4,034), sixth in free-throw percentage (84.0), seventh in field-goal attempts (493), No. 10 in scoring average (17.5) and No. 10 in minutes average (31.8). The Charlotte, N.C., native has nine top-10 single-season placements at UT, including third in free-throw percentage (90.2), fourth in minutes average (37.6), fifth in points (711) and fifth in scoring average (24.5), all in 1986-87. Selected No. 33 in the 1987 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, White earned SEC Legend status in 2002 and Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction in 2022.

Snead & Behnke Tabbed to NCBWA Stopper of the Year Preseason Watch List
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Snead & Behnke Tabbed to NCBWA Stopper of the Year Preseason Watch List

February 13, 2025

DALLAS – A pair of Tennessee pitchers were named to the 2025 NCBWA Stopper of the Year Preseason Watch List which was announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Juniors Nate Snead and Andrew Behnke both earned spots on the preseason watch list for the award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top relief pitcher.

Snead adds to an impressive list of preseason honors after earning All-America recognition from the NCBWA (first team), Baseball America (first team) and Perfect Game (second team). The hard-throwing right hander was also tabbed a first-team preseason All-SEC selection as a reliever.

An ABCA All-Southeast Region first team selection as a sophomore, Snead emerged as UT’s go-to arm out of the bullpen in 2024, ranking second on the team with 29 appearances while leading all non-starting pitchers with 75.1 innings pitched. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin native posted a 10-2 record and a 3.11 ERA while also finishing tied for the team lead with six saves on the year. Snead appeared in five of the Vols’ six games in Omaha, helping lead the Big Orange to their first Men’s College World Series title before playing for the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team over the summer.

Behnke emerged as one of UT’s more reliable relievers as a sophomore last season, finishing with a 3-1 record and 3.54 ERA over 23 appearances. The crafty lefty posted 39 strikeouts and issued only nine walks over 28.0 innings pitched while holding opposing hitters to a .213 batting average. Behnke is expected to take on an even larger role for the Vols this season as one of their most experienced returning pitchers.

The full NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award Watch List can be found by clicking HERE.

The reigning national champion Volunteers opens their 2025 campaign on Friday afternoon against Hofstra at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, kicking off an eight-game homestand to start the year.

2025 Tennessee Baseball Preseason Honors

LHP Andrew Behnke
NCBWA Stopper of the Year Preseason Watch List

INF Dean Curley
Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watch List
Preseason All-America First Team – Baseball America
Preseason All-America Second Team – Perfect Game
Preseason All-SEC First Team – SS  

LHP Liam Doyle
Preseason All-America Third Team – Baseball America
Preseason All-SEC First Team – SP

OF Hunter Ensley
Preseason All-SEC Second Team – OF

INF Andrew Fischer
Preseason All-America Third Team – Baseball America
Preseason All-SEC Second Team – 3B  

INF Gavin Kilen
Preseason All-America Second Team – Baseball America
Preseason All-SEC Second Team – 2B  

RHP AJ Russell
Preseason All-America First Team – Baseball America

RHP Nate Snead
NCBWA Stopper of the Year Preseason Watch List
Preseason All-America First Team – Baseball America, NCWA
Preseason All-America Second Team – Perfect Game
Preseason All-SEC First Team – RP

FORBES NAMES DOLLYWOOD AMONG AMERICA’S BEST EMPLOYERS

FORBES NAMES DOLLYWOOD AMONG AMERICA’S BEST EMPLOYERS

February 13, 2025

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Wednesday, February 12, 2025) — With hiring events in full swing for Dollywood’s 40th anniversary season, another national publication has recognized Dollywood as one of America’s best. Announced today, Forbes has placed Dollywood on its 10th annual list of America’s Best Midsize Employers. The Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, park is the only theme park to rank on Forbes’ midsize company list. 

With a caring culture, generous benefits, unparalleled company growth and numerous employment opportunities on the horizon, Dollywood employees—also known as hosts—understand firsthand why the company has received so much positive attention as an employer. 

“We say it often, but the culture we enjoy at Dollywood Parks & Resorts truly sets us apart from many other employers,” said Susan Loveday, Dollywood Vice President of Human Resources. “It can sound cliché, but when we talk about our host family and our hosts supporting each other like family, that really is the atmosphere you find here. The genuine care our hosts show for one another is inspiring and manifests itself in the way our hosts are able to take care of our guests. It is the reason why the Dollywood guest experience is consistently ranked among the best in the world.

“We offer great benefits, as well as wonderful growth and advancement opportunities, but the welcoming environment created by our hosts for our guests—and each other—is what makes Dollywood some place special.”

Dollywood was represented well among the 498 companies on Forbes’ list of the best midsize employers. The list includes companies across 25 industry sectors, with only 15 companies in the “Travel & Leisure” sector of which Dollywood was included. Among those companies, Dollywood ranked second. Dollywood’s overall ranking on the list is 142. To view the entire list, click HERE. 

Among the companies in the Travel & Leisure sector are Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort (#54), Dollywood Parks & Resorts (#142), Aristocrat (#161), and Virgin Group (#197). Also on the Travel & Leisure list are Royal Caribbean (#360), Kalahari Resorts (#379) and Tripadvisor. Among the Top 5 companies across all industry sectors on the list are Shriners Hospitals (#1), Federal Communications Commission (#2), Western Carolina University (#3), Toll Brothers (#4) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Commission (#5). Others on the list include Patagonia (#50), Wake Forest (#55), and Blue Bell Ice Cream (#61).

According to Statista, the firm that administers the best employers survey on behalf of Forbes, an independent survey was taken by more than 217,000 U.S. employees working at companies with a national workforce of more than 1,000 workers. In total, 1,199 employers were recognized across the 25 sectors on the midsize and large industry lists. The companies are divided into 701 large (more than 5,000 U.S. employees) and 498 midsize (1,000 to 5,000 employees) employers. The only theme park company on the large employers list was Hershey Entertainment and Resorts (#588).

The evaluation was based on direct and indirect feedback from respondents in an anonymous survey who were asked to rate their willingness to recommend their own employer to friends and family. Their evaluations also included other employers in their respective industries that stood out either positively or negatively. As with all Forbes lists, companies pay no fee to be considered.

Pointing to Dollywood host job satisfaction, the Pigeon Forge park has long been voted as the friendliest theme park in the world. The park also is the only park to win the Golden Ticket Award for Best Guest Experience, which factors friendliness of employees—along with cleanliness and value—into its selection consideration. The prestigious Golden Ticket Awards are given annually by industry publication Amusement Today. In late October, Dollywood was named the #1 theme park in the country on Newsweek’s 2025 ranking of America’s Best Customer Service organizations.  

From part-time positions for students to full-time careers with advancement opportunities, working at Dollywood may very well become a lifetime home for those looking for a position that means “a little more.” The company is gearing up for a busy 2025 season with available positions currently posted at dollywoodjobs.com. Two hiring events remain on the calendar: this Saturday (Feb. 15) at Sevierville Civic Center and Feb. 22 at Morristown Landing. Both events take place from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

Positions are available for the entire length of the 2025 operating season as well as for shorter peak season openings, which are perfect for applicants looking for a fun summer position or those looking to earn a little extra money during the Christmas holidays. Applicants must be 14 years of age or older.

Positions are available on several teams including Dollywood’s award-winning culinary and merchandise teams, park operations positions including ride operators, ticketing, transportation, house and grounds, and more. Among the openings at Dollywood’s Splash Country water park are house and grounds, lifeguards and culinary services positions. Dollywood’s lodging properties also have a number of openings available including food and beverage, front desk, bell/valet and housekeeping positions.

Interested applicants may view opportunities, as well as job descriptions and basic requirements for each position, at dollywoodjobs.com. Applicants can signify their interest in a position by following the online instructions to complete the application process. Technical support will be available at the hiring events to assist applicants in the process if needed.

Dollywood Parks & Resorts employees receive a variety of unique benefits including 100% free tuition through Herschend’s GROW U. program, access to the Dollywood Family Healthcare Center, along with complimentary Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country admission for family and friends. Hosts are provided a free lunch every working shift and take part in Dollywood’s Park Perks program, which provides free or reduced admission to many regional attractions, theaters and experiences. A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision, is available for qualified full-time employees. Dollywood also pays a portion of childcare costs for hosts whose children are cared for at an Upwards-affiliated provider. Numerous opportunities also are available to help employees develop leadership skills, including an apprenticeship program in conjunction with Walters State Community College.

Dolly Parton with the 40th Anniversary art package as part of Dollywood’s 40th Anniversary in 2025. Photo taken in Nashville, TN, at CTK Enterprises, on 9/20/24. Photo by Curtis Hilbun/Dollywood
Governor Bill Lee Signs Education Freedom Act and a New Website is Launched to Share Resources
Robin Joffe

Governor Bill Lee Signs Education Freedom Act and a New Website is Launched to Share Resources

February 13, 2025

Governor Bill Lee has signed the Education Freedom Act, which passed during last month’s specially called legislative session, into law solidifying its place in Tennessee’s education system.

Lee signed his landmark school choice program yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon.

The $500 million plan gives 20,000 Tennessee students around $7,000 in public funds to pay for private school tuition.

The revamped Education Freedom Act contains new language allowing for each public school to be compensated should a student choose to relocate to a private institution.

TennesseeCAN is launching a new website to share resources for students and their families interested in the Education Freedom Act.

TennesseeCAN is for a new education era with $580 million in new investments proposed by Governor Bill Lee for students, TennesseeCAN aims to expand student access to high-quality schools and child literacy and continue the fight for student-first policies.

The organization expects to accomplish holding high expectations for students and teachers by ensuring they are well-supported, empower families and performance incentives, and accountability in place for schools and systems to ensure the academic success of all students.

EFA provides 20,000 Tennessee students with around $7,000 in public funds to pay for private school tuition.

Sen. Hagerty of TN Announces Run for Re-Election

Sen. Hagerty of TN Announces Run for Re-Election

February 12, 2025

(Story courtesy of WVLT / WSMV)

Nashville, TN (WSMV) U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty has announced his run for re-election.

The former Ambassador to Japan was elected to his position in the U.S. Senate back in 2020.

“I am pleased to announce my candidacy for re-election to the United States Senate. It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve the men and women of Tennessee, and I am committed to the fight for our shared values, our freedoms, and the future of our great state and nation,” Hagerty said.

Hagerty’s office reports that the senator has raised $9 million for his campaign during this cycle.

“Notably, Hagerty’s campaign has been completely debt-free since prior to the November 2024 election. Hagerty’s small dollar fundraising prowess has resulted in nearly $2.5 million in contributions less than $200. These donations were generated from 183,872 individual donations averaging $13.48 per donation,” his office touted.

Hagerty is set to travel through the Volunteer State to campaign and host finance events.

Sen. Hagerty of TN announces run for re-election. (WVLT / WSMV)
Former Blount County Magistrate Indicted for Tampering with Son’s Child Pornography Case

Former Blount County Magistrate Indicted for Tampering with Son’s Child Pornography Case

February 12, 2025

Blount County, TN (WOKI) A former magistrate with Blount County Juvenile Court has been indicted for tampering with her son’s child pornography case.

Diane Lashmit was charged by a grand jury for tampering with proceedings and accessory after the fact. She was a Blount County Juvenile Court Magistrate from 2013 to January 2024 but had not presided over a case since August of 2023.

The indictment says Lashmit helped her son, Julian Gerdeman, attempt to “alter, destroy, mutilate or conceal child pornography” on his electronics.

Lashmit pleaded not guilty, and her trial is scheduled for April 15.

Her son pleaded guilty to two counts of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of and access with intent to view child pornography.

The county said she was a Blount County Juvenile Court Magistrate from 2013 to January 2024. (Credit: Frankly Media)
Knoxville’s Gay Street Bridge to be Converted to Pedestrian Crossing, Mayor Says

Knoxville’s Gay Street Bridge to be Converted to Pedestrian Crossing, Mayor Says

February 12, 2025

Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon makes a major announcement Wednesday: the Gay Street Bridge will never again open to regular traffic.

The Knoxville icon has been closed since last summer, and the city’s latest update has confirmed only pedestrians and cyclists will make the trip over the bridge in the future.

“We are now aware that the bridge will never be able to resume everyday traffic. We are, however, glad to announce that we will be able to open it to pedestrians and cyclists.”

The Tennessee Department of Transportation ordered the 127 year-old bridge closed after 2024’s regular inspection, citing a problem with critical load-bearing infrastructure.

The bridge’s anticipated lifespan was only 70 or 80 years.

Rough numbers provided by the city on Wednesday put the pedestrian-only repairs at $2 million, versus opening it fully, which would cost upwards of $50 million.

Gay Street Bridge’s conversion to a pedestrian-only crossing will not, however, affect the city’s other big bridge project: a new pedestrian bridge on the University of Tennessee’s campus. Much of the funding for that project came from federal dollars, which Kincannon said has tied the city’s hands a bit.

“When you get federal and state dollars for a project, you don’t get to pick and choose how you spend it,” she said.

As for a timeline, Kincannon said the city hopes to reopen the bridge to pedestrians by the end of 2025 or in early 2026.

The Knoxville icon has been closed since last summer, and the city’s latest update has confirmed only pedestrians and cyclists will make the trip over the bridge in the future. (Courtesy: WVLT)
#5/4 Vols Fall Short, 75-64, at #15/18 Kentucky
Courtesy / UT Athletics

#5/4 Vols Fall Short, 75-64, at #15/18 Kentucky

February 12, 2025

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Trailing No. 15/18 Kentucky by nine in the final minute of the first half and by seven with under 14 minutes to play, the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team roared back to take a three-point lead, but could not hold on down the stretch in a 75-64 setback.

Senior guard Zakai Zeigler, who entered the top 25 on the school’s all-time scoring list and the top six on the SEC’s career assists leaderboard, had game highs in points (17) and assists (six) for No. 5/4 Tennessee (20-5, 7-5 SEC) at Rupp Arena.

Kentucky (17-7, 6-5 SEC) scored on its first three possessions to take a 6-0 lead after just 112 seconds. However, the Volunteers allowed just two points over the next 5:44, a span during which they took a 9-8 lead with 12:49 on the timer.

The Wildcats quickly answered with back-to-back 3-pointers to go in front by five, 14-9, just 90 ticks later. Tennessee, amidst a 7-of-8 stretch from the floor after a 2-of-12 start, leveled the score at 21 with 5:39 to play in the stanza.

Kentucky soon thereafter went on a 9-1 run, with three consecutive makes from deep, over 1:52 to take a then-game-best nine-point lead, 33-24, with 1:59 left before the break. The Volunteers scored the last two points of the half to make it 33-26 through 20 minutes. Their 8-of-9 free-throw clip helped counteract a 0-of-5 ledger from 3-point range compared to the Wildcats’ 7-of-14 count.

Tennessee sliced the margin to four, 35-31, just 86 seconds into the second half. It then did so again, 45-41, with 14:59 to go, but home team continued its 3-point barrage and just 26 seconds later and went back up by seven, stretching its long-range mark to 10-of-18.

The Volunteers held Kentucky without a point for 3:28 and during that period cut the deficit to three, 50-47, with 12:45 to play. They then got within two, 54-52, with 9:14 to go on the third made 3-pointer—on as many attempts—of the half by senior forward Igor Miličić Jr.

Just 40 seconds later, Tennessee tied the score at 54 on a pair of fee throws by sophomore forward Cade Phillips. Senior guard Jordan Gainey put the visitors ahead, 56-55, with 7:30 remaining and Zeigler made it 58-55 just 58 ticks later, as Kentucky went 3:34 without a field goal.

The Wildcats then sandwiched an old-fashioned three-point play and a 3-pointer around another Zeigler layup, regaining an advantage, 61-60, with 4:21 on the clock they would not relinquish. Kentucky extended the run to 15-4 in 4:40 and made five consecutive field goals, as it built a 70-62 edge with 1:20 to go. The surge included two 3-pointers by graduate guard Koby Brea, after his team missed its prior four from deep.

Kentucky’s final margin of 11 points, buoyed by a game-ending 20-6 run over the last six minutes, was its largest lead of the evening.

Zeigler’s game-leading point total came on a 7-of-11 clip from the field and included 11 second-half points on 5-of-7 shooting. Miličić scored 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including a 3-of-4 figure from long range, and grabbed a game-high nine rebounds. The Rovinj, Croatia, native had 13 points after the break on a 5-of-6 field-goal ledger. Fifth-year guard Chaz Lanier added 10 points and six rebounds, one shy of his season best, in the defeat.

Four Wildcats tallied between 11 and 13 points in a balanced scoring attack. Senior forward Ansley Almonor had 13, shooting 4-of-5 from the field and 3-of-3 at the line, as did junior guard Otega Oweh. Brea and freshman guard Trent Noah had 11 apiece for Kentucky, with the former 3-of-6 on 3-pointers and the former 3-of-4 from the floor.

The Volunteers, who had a commanding 15-3 cushion in second-chance points, finished 3-of-18 (16.7 percent) from 3-point range, with Miličić posting all three makes. Kentucky, meanwhile, shot 12-of-24 (50.0 percent) against the Volunteers for the second time in 15 days.

Tennessee now returns to Knoxville, Tenn., for its lone home outing in a five-game, 23-day span, as it will host Vanderbilt in a Saturday matinee at Food City Center, live on SEC Network at 1 p.m.

To keep up with the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team on social media, follow @Vol_Hoops on Instagram and X/Twitter, as well as /tennesseebasketball on Facebook.

TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS POSTGAME NOTES
• Tuesday marked the fourth straight AP top-25 showdown—both teams were in the top 15 for all four—between Tennessee and Kentucky.
• Tennessee fell to 11-12 versus Kentucky under head coach Rick Barnes, still good for five more wins than any other school in that time period (2015-25), as Auburn and Kansas each have six.
• Barnes has led the Volunteers to a 10-8 mark against AP top-25 Kentucky teams in his tenure, still good for four more victories than any other program during that time, as Kansas has five such wins.
• Tuesday’s setback snapped a four-game winning streak for the Volunteers away from home—two were on the road, two were at neutral sites—versus AP top-15 Kentucky teams, a ledger that went from March 16, 2019, to Feb. 3, 2024.
• Under Barnes, Tennessee is now 7-5 in AP top-25 matchups against Kentucky, including 4-4 with both in the top 15.
• Tennessee now owns a 4-4 record at Rupp Arena over the last eight years (2017-2025), including a 3-3 mark in the past six, after it was 2-36 over the prior 38 seasons (1979-2017).
• In the Barnes era, Tennessee is now 6-7 away from home versus Kentucky, including 4-6 in true road games.
• Barnes, who has two more wins over the Wildcats than any other active head coach (10 by Bruce Pearl), fell to 12-14 against Kentucky in his head coaching career, still tied with Kevin Stallings for the seventh-most wins all-time by any coach.
• Tuesday marked the sixth consecutive series meetings—two apiece over the last three years—with Tennessee ranked above Kentucky.
• Over the past eight seasons (2017-25), all under Barnes, Tennessee is now 27-9 (.750) in the second leg of regular season home-and-home series.
• Tuesday marked the sixth time in the last seven games the Volunteers have faced an AP top-15 foe, posting a 3-3 record in that time.
• The Volunteers fell to 34-26 (.567) in AP top-25 matchups in Barnes’ tenure, including 6-4 (.600) in 2024-25.
• The above overall mark includes a 22-13 (.629) record since Feb. 26, 2022, and a 13-6 (.684) tally since Dec. 9, 2023.
• Tennessee’s record in AP top-15 showdowns dropped to 17-13 (.567) in Barnes’ 10 seasons at the helm.
• The Volunteers are now 40-41 (.494) versus AP top-25 foes under Barnes, including 24-14 (.632) since Jan. 22, 2022.
• Tennessee fell to 26-26 (.500) against AP top-15 opponents in the Barnes era, including 19-9 (.679) since Dec. 22, 2021.
• The Wildcats shot 7-of-13 from 3-point range through the first 18:01 of action, while Tennessee did not make a shot from deep until its first possession of the second half.
• The Volunteers connected on eight of their first nine second-half field goals, while the Wildcats hit seven of their first eight at the other end.
• Tennessee has conceded 35 or fewer first-half points in 23 of its 25 contests thus far, including 29 or fewer on 14 occasions and 22 or fewer seven times.
• Zeigler’s six assists upped his career total to 651, moving him past LSU’s Kenny Higgs (645 1974-78) and Kentucky’s Dirk Minniefield (646 from 1979-83) for sixth place in SEC history.
• Zeigler also pushed his 2024-25 assist total to 179, eclipsing Bill Hann (173 in 1968-69) for sole possession of seventh place on Tennessee’s single-season leaderboard.
• The 17 points by Zeigler pushed his career total to 1,365, tying him with Jordan Bowden (2016-20) for the No. 25 spot on the program’s all-time scoring list.
• Zeigler’s seven made field goals matched the season high he recorded Nov. 9, 2024, at Louisville and Nov. 17, 2024, versus Austin Peay.
• Miličić has pulled down at least nine rebounds in 13 of his 24 appearances at Tennessee, including thrice in the past four outings.
• Lanier has now scored in double figures in 23 of his 25 contests as a Volunteer, including in 20 of the past 21 games.
• Junior forward Felix Okpara, who scored eight points, posted a perfect 4-of-4 free-throw clip, tying a career best in makes and doing so without a miss for the first time.

Eight Venezuelan Nationals Facing Federal Charges Out of Nashville for Human Trafficking
WVLT

Eight Venezuelan Nationals Facing Federal Charges Out of Nashville for Human Trafficking

February 12, 2025

(Nashville – WVLT/WOKI) The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee announced the indictment of eight Venezuelan nationals allegedly connected to a human trafficking operation.

The indictment alleges all eight worked together to recruit and bring women from Central and South America to the U.S., specifically to Tennessee and other states, to operate a ‘commercial sex business enterprise.’

Prosecutors allege the defendants targeted ‘young, poor and vulnerable women’ from Venezuela among other countries. The indictment says the women were approached and promised a better life by the defendants, but once they arrived, were told they were to pay their ‘skyrocketing debts’ from travel by having sex with strangers.

“I want to reiterate that human trafficking is a real problem here in our community,” U.S. Attorney Robert Maguire said. “Ignoring it will not make it go away. It cannot live in the shadows; we have to bring it to the light and hold those accountable who would do their crimes in the dark.”

Officials say this was the result of a years-long investigation into this operation with the help of multiple local, state and federal partners. Leaders say the investigation started with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

The following people were charged in the indictment:

  • Yilibeth Del Carmen Rivero-De Caldera (A.K.A. ‘Yibi’): Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Interstate Transportation for Purposes of Prostitution, Conspiracy to Commit Interstate and Foreign Travel or Transportation in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises, Sex Trafficking Conspiracy
  • Kleiver Daniel Mota Rivero (A.K.A. ‘Kleiber’): Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Interstate Transportation for Purposes of Prostitution, Conspiracy to Commit Interstate and Foreign Travel or Transportation in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises, Sex Trafficking Conspiracy, and Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Alien.
  • Yuribetzi Del Valle Gomez Machuca (A.K.A. ‘La Gorda’): Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Interstate Transportation for Purposes of Prostitution, Conspiracy to Commit Interstate and Foreign Travel or Transportation in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises and Sex Trafficking Conspiracy
  • Wilmarys Del Valle Manzano Solorzano (A.K.A. ‘La China’): Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Interstate Transportation for Purposes of Prostitution and with Conspiracy to Commit Interstate and Foreign Travel or Transportation in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises,
  • Endrik Alexander Morales-Rivero (A.K.A. ‘Endri’): Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Interstate Transportation for Purposes of Prostitution and with Conspiracy to Commit Interstate and Foreign Travel or Transportation in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises,
  • Ariannys Beatriz Gutierrez-Carrillo (A.K.A. ‘Nani, Nany’): Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Interstate Transportation for Purposes of Prostitution and with Conspiracy to Commit Interstate and Foreign Travel or Transportation in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises,
  • Frankyanna Del Valle Romero-Rivero (A.K.A. ‘Franya’): Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Interstate Transportation for Purposes of Prostitution and with Conspiracy to Commit Interstate and Foreign Travel or Transportation in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises,
  • Jesus Enrique Castillo Rodriguez (A.K.A. ‘Chu Chu’): Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Interstate Transportation for Purposes of Prostitution and with Conspiracy to Commit Interstate and Foreign Travel or Transportation in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises,

The indictment says the defendants used hotels in the Nashville area to lure buyers to where they would force the victims to be for sexual favors. According to court documents, they would use online advertising as well as messaging services like ‘WhatsApp’ to determine pricing based on certain favors.

Prosecutors allege that ‘Yibi’ and ‘Kleiver’ used their ties to the Venezuelan gang ‘Tren de Aragua’ (TdA) to intimidate the victims into continuing to engage in commercial sex acts.

“We are depending on the community to make a difference in the lives of very vulnerable women and girls who have been taken from their families under false pretenses, and forced into the worst hell imaginable,” Maguire said.

Multiple representatives from various law enforcement agencies spoke out at a press conference Tuesday, condemning human trafficking and urging community members to remain on alert.

“The trafficking of human beings is abhorrent to all of us,’ MNPD Chief John Drake said. “It’s a modern-day form of slavery. I want to be clear; our police department will always make human trafficking investigations a priority at our police department regardless of where a suspect is from.”

Maguire said they were focused on prosecuting the defendants here in Nashville before any talks of deportation were to happen.

“Specifically the message that law enforcement is sending with this indictment is that human trafficking is an abomination,” Maguire added. “That we will find it wherever and whenever it exists. That we will recover the survivors and we will stop it once and for all.”

Maguire says the dozens of victims in this case will receive victim support services, likely with local and state organizations.

All eight defendants are in federal custody awaiting prosecution. They were arrested in multiple states including Tennessee and Texas.

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, authorities ask that you call 1 (888) 373-7888. For more information, you can visit this website.

Story courtesy of WVLT

City of Knoxville Cuts Ties with Turn Up Knox
WVLT

City of Knoxville Cuts Ties with Turn Up Knox

February 12, 2025

The City of Knoxville is severing ties with Turn Up Knox, a violence prevention organization.

Officials say while the circumstances that led to the decision to terminate the Agreement are unfortunate.

The city’s first contract with Turn Up Knox was for $450,000.

In 2023, during the second contract, Officials became concerned with inner workings of Turn Up Knox after the organization said it adopted a budget that was $100,000 above what the city contract was for.

City officials said it paid its final quarterly payment in May of 2024 following the terms of its contract with Turn Up Knox, but the organizations expenditures exceeded the available funds they had, and the organization ran out of money before the end of the of the contract.

However, the city said despite the spending, Turn Up Knox was meeting the city’s expectations, so it helped the organization apply and obtain two grants from NICJR totaling $85,000.

Despite the spending, the city said it entered into a third contract with Turn Up Knox in October of 2024. City officials said they were encouraged by the work the group was doing and had reassurances from Turn Up Knox that it was addressing management issues.

The city said that after entering into the third contract management issues “took a turn for the worse” and outlined the following as the problems:

  • Failing to account for taxpayer dollars in a timely and transparent manner
  • Failing to attend meetings
  • Delays in submitting required reports
  • Misrepresenting contract details
  • Inconsistent communications

According to the release, after months of trying to work with Turn Up Knox to address management issues, the city said it lost faith in the executive leadership and decided to terminate the contract effective Feb. 7, 2025.

The city told WVLT News it paid the organization $957,701.51 over nearly three years.

WVLT News reached out to Denzel Grant, the executive director of Turn Up Knox, and received the following statement:

I want to make it clear that Turn Up Knox has always been committed to this work because we know firsthand what’s been at stake.

In 2021, Knoxville saw some of its highest homicide numbers, with many of the victims being young people and an alarming number of Black and Brown women. That violence is what brought us all to the table in the first place. Our team stepped up with the support from the city because we knew the community needed real solutions. Over the last two years, we’ve shown what’s possible—fewer shootings, fewer homicides, and more young people engaged in positive opportunities. There’s no other group in the city with this level of experience, and we’ve seen the impact firsthand. In 2019, Black and Brown men and women made up 75% of the city’s homicide victims. By 2024, that number had dropped to 39%. That’s not a coincidence—that’s the result of intentional, community-driven violence interruption.

Unfortunately, it seems the Mayor and OCSE have allowed their egos to overshadow the mission. Instead of focusing on solutions, they moved the goalposts and shut us out of conversations and then accused us for the very same thing. These are the same city staff who decided to terminate the contract without City Council’s input. If City Council has the authority to approve the contract and funding, but the mayor and OCSE can unilaterally decide to terminate it, then what does that say about our city’s hierarchy or legislative power.

If the city has had these concerns since 2023. Why are they being brought up now. Why would the Mayor be quoted saying “We have her full confidence on Oct 15 2024. But November 1st once the contract was signed things went sour? Once the contract was signed reporting requirements were changed. Unknown to city council & Turn Up Knox. We expressed that frustration & was told to be silent. While we haven’t been perfect, we’ve made progress without the administrative support from OCSE. If there is any documentation of ineffective. Why just say it, they should release the proof. The community deserves that transparency & as an organization will should be held accountable. But terminating a contract strictly off emotions & not facts is unwarranted. Turn Up Knox will continue to push for change. We know the people who have supported us see the value in what we do, and we believe they will stand with us in demanding accountability.

Denzel Grant, Executive Director – Turn Up Knox

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