Tennessee guard leaves team, calls senior night 'breaking point'

Tennessee women's basketball reserve Kaiya Wynn announced Tuesday that she has left the program, citing how she was treated during last week's senior day game as a "breaking point."

Wynn, who is finishing her fifth season with the Volunteers, has appeared in nine games this season after missing the entire 2024-25 season with an Achilles injury. She did not appear in the home finale, an 87-77 loss to No. 5 Vanderbilt on Sunday, although she claims she was asked to sub in for the final seconds and refused.

"This decision was not made lightly or instantly," Wynn wrote on social media. "For the past five years I have given my all for Tennessee and have not regretted doing so once. Obviously, my last two seasons on the team have been less than ideal for many reasons, but the one night I was most looking forward to was senior night.

"As someone who has never started a career game, l was hoping to start in my last appearance in Thompson-Boling. That obviously did not happen, and to be asked to check into the game with 15 seconds left while losing was not how I wanted to spend my final moments in my arena after five years. Although that was not the sole reason, it was the breaking point for me. I have the utmost love and respect for my teammates and this program and wish everyone nothing but the best."

Wynn has appeared in 102 games for Tennessee, averaging 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds per game. She averaged career highs of 4.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 13.4 minutes per game in 2023-24.

The guard originally signed to play for Kellie Harper, who was fired after the 2023-24 season and replaced by Kim Caldwell. The school nor coach have commented on Wynn's departure.

Tennessee (16-12, 8-8 Southeastern Conference) is the No. 6 seed in this week's SEC tournament in Greenville, S.C. The Volunteers having lost their last six games and nine of their last 11 since starting the season with a 14-3 (6-0) record.

--Field Level Media