Former Wnba Standout Candace Parker To Lead Lady Vols

Eric Trainer Named Women's Basketball Head Coach at University of Tennessee

Former WNBA Standout Candace Parker to Lead Lady Vols

Knoxville, Tenn. - April 28, 2024

University of Tennessee Director of Athletics Danny White has announced the hiring of Eric Trainer as the head coach of the Lady Vols women's basketball program. Trainer, a former assistant coach with the Tennessee Lady Vols, returns to Knoxville after a successful stint as head coach at the University of California, Berkeley.

Trainer will be assisted by Candace Parker, who will serve as the program's associate head coach. Parker, a three-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, is considered one of the greatest women's basketball players of all time.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome Eric and Candace back to the University of Tennessee," said White. "Eric is a proven winner with a deep understanding of our program and the tradition of Lady Vol basketball. Candace is a legend of the game and her experience and leadership will be invaluable to our student-athletes."

Trainer, a former standout player at Duke University, has a long history with the Lady Vols. He served as an assistant coach under Pat Summitt from 2005 to 2008, helping the team win a national championship in 2007. He also spent two seasons as the associate head coach at the University of South Carolina before taking the head coaching job at Cal in 2014.

In his seven seasons at Cal, Trainer led the Golden Bears to five NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet Sixteen berth in 2019. He also coached several All-Americans, including Kristine Anigwe and Kiara Leslie.

Parker, a Chicago native, is a two-time WNBA MVP and has been named to the All-WNBA team seven times. She helped the Los Angeles Sparks win WNBA championships in 2016, 2017, and 2019. Parker also led the U.S. women's basketball team to gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.

"I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to lead the Lady Vols women's basketball program," said Trainer. "This is a dream come true for me, and I am excited to work with Candace and our staff to build upon the rich tradition of this program. We are committed to winning championships and developing our student-athletes both on and off the court."

Parker added, "I am thrilled to be joining Eric and the Lady Vols program. I believe in Eric's vision and I am confident that we can build a team that will compete for championships and inspire young women around the world."

Trainer and Parker will officially begin their duties on May 15, 2024.