In an emotional statement that impacted many, 6’5″ forward Jaida Civil, one of the nation’s top women’s basketball recruits, committed to the University of Tennessee Lady Vols. Civil burst into tears of delight as she announced her choice to join the Lady Vols, selecting them over prestigious programs at Kentucky and Georgia.
Civil, who is from Melbourne, Florida, was a successful player in high school, gaining distinction as a five-star recruit and being ranked as the No. 23 player in the USA by 247Sports composite. Her pledge is a huge milestone for Tennessee, as she becomes one of the program’s most highly ranked recruits in recent years.
During her announcement, Civil acknowledged her strong affinity to the University of Tennessee. “From the moment I stepped on campus, it felt like home,” she remarked, wiping away tears. “The coaching staff, players, and entire community greeted me with open arms. I believe this is the ideal environment for me to develop as a player as a person.”
Head Coach Kim Caldwell expressed her pleasure over Civil’s commitment. “Jaida is an exceptional talent and an even more exceptional individual,” she said. “Her versatility on the court and leadership abilities make her an excellent fit for our program. We are happy to have her join the Tennessee family.”
Civil’s decision to pledge to Tennessee over other Southeastern Conference (SEC) powerhouses such as Kentucky and Georgia demonstrates the Lady Vols’ basketball program’s growing popularity. Tennessee has made considerable strides in recent years, including the signing of a top-ranked recruiting class for 2025.
Fans and observers alike have praised Civil’s decision, expecting her impact on the court. Her height and skill set as a forward are expected to strengthen the Lady Vols’ frontcourt, bringing depth and versatility to the roster.
As Civil prepares to begin her university career, she keeps focused on her ambitions. “I want to contribute to bringing championships to Tennessee,” she told the crowd. “I’m ready to work hard, learn, and progress alongside my new team. This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together.”
The Tennessee community has reacted well to Civil’s pledge, with fans expressing their delight on social media and looking forward to the following seasons. Her addition to the squad represents a bright future for Tennessee women’s basketball as they work to develop a program capable of competing at the highest levels.
Civil’s emotional dedication demonstrates the strong relationships and sense of belonging she has with the Lady Volunteers, paving the way for an incredible path ahead.