UT Sports brought to you by Amy Shrader, and Re/Max Real Estate

How former Lady Vols are faring in the WNBA

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The 2026 WNBA season is a third of the way through, and currently there are five Lady Vols on rosters and three who are active with their respective teams.

The quintet includes LVFLs Janiah Barker (2025-26) in Las Vegas, Rae Burrell (2018-22) in Los Angeles, Isabelle Harrison (2011-15) in Toronto, Jordan Horston (201923) in Seattle and Rickea Jackson (2022-24) in Chicago. Barker has yet to make her WNBA debut in 2026, while Jackson suffered a season-ending knee injury just four games into the campaign.

Jackson, Harrison and Burrell lead the Tennessee contingent statistically. All three have averaged double figures in scoring, with Jackson putting up 18.0 before her year came to a premature close. Harrison (11.0) and Burrell (10.6), meanwhile, also have enjoyed double-digit scoring production.

All-time, there have been 48 Lady Vols drafted by the WNBA and a total of 55 who have been involved with the league. In 2026, Barker (29th pick, 2nd Rd.) and Zee Spearman (31st pick, 3rd Rd.) became the first players coached by Kim Caldwell to be taken in the WNBA Draft. Spearman currently is not with a team.

Janiah Barker 6-4 | F | Las Vegas Aces | 1st Season

Chosen No. 29 overall in the second round of the 2026 WNBA Draft by the Aces.

Has not appeared in any games this season due to injuries.

She reportedly is getting closer to making her pro debut.

Las Vegas currently is 10-4 and stands second in the Western Conference.

Rae Burrell 6-2 | G-F | Los Angeles Sparks | 5th Season

Is in year five in the WNBA, with all five spent with Los Angeles.

Has appeared in 14 games and started seven for the Sparks in 2026.

Averaging 10.6 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists thus far.

Shooting 43.2 percent from the field, 32.0 from deep and 81.1 at the charity stripe.

Has scored in double figures nine times, including three of her past four games.

Fired in season highs of 24 points vs. Phoenix on June 13 and 22 vs. Las Vegas on June 2.

L.A. resides in fifth place in the Western Conference at 7-7.

Isabelle Harrison 6-3 | F | Toronto Tempo | 9th Season

Thriving in her first season with the expansion Tempo.

Has appeared in five games, earning three starts.

Averaging 11.0 points and 5.2 rebounds per contest.

Has scored in double figures three times, including the past two vs. Atlanta and Indiana.

Also contributing 1.8 assists and 1.8 steals. Shooting 47.7 percent from the field and 42.9 beyond the arc.

Tallied a season-best 17 points and added three boards, two blocks and a steal in 19 minutes vs. Atlanta on June 14.

Toronto is 7-8 and sits in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Jordan Horston 6-2 | F | Seattle Storm | 3rd Season

Appeared in 15 games, starting all 15 of them after sitting out last season due to injury.

Has seen 26 minutes per contest over her past two outings.

Averaging 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 steals.

Shooting 32.5 percent from the field and 83.3 percent from the free-throw line.

Has scored in double figures twice this season.

Hit six of 11 shots from the field to finish with a season-best 15 points vs. Toronto on May 30.

Grabbed four steals vs. Toronto on May 30 and blocked four shots vs. Dallas on June 1.

Seattle currently is eighth in the Western Conference.

Rickea Jackson 6-2 | F | Chicago Sky | 3rd Season

Suffered a torn ACL in her left knee on May 18 vs. Minnesota.

Will miss the remainder of the 2026 season. Had started all four games for the Sky before the injury.

Scored 18 or more points in every game until the one she departed after 11 minutes vs. the Lynx.

Averaged WNBA career bests of 18.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.8 blocks before her season ended.

Shot 40.0 percent from the field and 81.8 percent from the charity stripe.

Scored 29 points, grabbed six rebounds and blocked three shots vs. Phoenix on May 15.

Chicago stands sixth in the Eastern Conference standings.

Eric Woods
Eric Woods
Articles: 31