Freshmen Arrive at Tennessee

Gabby Minus and Irene Oboavwoduo arrived at Tennessee ready for a fresh challenge but felt familiar with the pace.

Minus Chooses Tennessee for Coaching Style

Minus said Caldwell’s confidence in her system made the decision easy since she played an uptempo style in high school.

“Coach Kim, I feel like she was very confident in her system, I feel like I came from a system that was already playing like that in high school, and so it was an easy adjustment.”

Oboavwoduo Values Staff Honesty

Oboavwoduo chose Tennessee because Caldwell’s honesty about plans and staff approach stood out.

“She was really genuine, the whole staff was genuine, and she was really honest about what she was trying to achieve and the people that she was trying to bring in.”

Team Bonding Helps Freshmen Adjust

Team dinners and shared experiences helped Oboavwoduo connect quickly with teammates.

Common Goal Strengthens Team

Oboavwoduo said everyone shared the same goal of working hard and representing the team.

“So I think that communal goal that everyone had really did bring us together.”

Freshmen Form Personal Bonds

Minus introduced Oboavwoduo to seafood, with prawns becoming a favorite food.

Oboavwoduo Aims to Prove International Potential

Oboavwoduo wants to show English players that international athletes can succeed in college basketball.

“Coming in as an international, just proving to other people in England that you can really do this, you can fly out and you can come to a school and be great.”

Freshmen Focus on Season Contributions

Both freshmen emphasize their role in helping the team during the upcoming season.