If first impressions are everything, the Kim Caldwell era is off to a great start in Knoxville. Tasked with rebuilding the roster from the ground up, Caldwell’s new-look Lady Vols made an emphatic statement on Tuesday night.

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, in partnership with the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), has announced the 20 watch list candidates for the 2027 Cheryl Miller Award, and Tennessee's Kaylene Smikle is among them.

Fifteen new faces make up the Lady Vols. Talent will decide plenty, but this roster wants to be in Knoxville, and that gives Kim Caldwell something to lean on.