Four Lady Vols Named To SEC Preseason Watch List

Four Lady Vols were named to the 2024 SEC Preseason Watchlist, as announced by the conference Wednesday. Jaida Thomas, Mac Midgley, Sammi Woods and Kate Runyon were all tabbed as players to watch this season.

Jaida Thomas | Redshirt Senior | Forward

Thomas, who enters her final season on Rocky Top, currently ranks second on Tennessee’s all-time goals list with 39 and sits just four back of Kylee Rossi’s program-best 43. The three-time All-SEC player and 2021 All-American appeared in just two matches last season before suffering a season-ending injury. During the 2022 season, Thomas scored 13 goals and posted the best goals-per-game average in the SEC at .68.

Mac Midgley | Junior | Midfielder

Midgley is coming off a sophomore season in which she appeared in 20 matches while starting in 19 of those contests. The Wolverine Lake, Michigan, native concluded the 2023 season as a consistent contributor after finishing with three assists and two goals to rank fifth on the team in points with seven. Additionally, Midgley tied for third on the team in minutes played with 1,444 and netted a crucial game-winner during UT’s 3-2 victory at Missouri last year.

Sammi Woods | Graduate Student | Forward

Woods comes to UT as a graduate transfer after four seasons at Michigan. In 2023, Woods led Michigan with eight goals and 17 points while also producing a team-high 34 shots. The Saline, Michigan, native also led the Wolverines with two-multi goal matches and started in all 18 contests. Following her performance on the pitch last year, Woods earned Third Team All-Big Ten honors.

Kate Runyon | Sophomore | Forward

Runyon is coming on the heels of a solid first-year campaign in which she garnered SEC All-Freshman Team honors. The Westminster, Colorado, native appeared in 15 contests and started nine before missing time due to injury. Despite her limited time on the pitch last year, Runyon finished fourth on the team in goals (4) and points (9). Additionally, Runyon earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors after scoring in back-to-back games against Florida and South Carolina.

The Lady Vols look to build off a 2023 season in which they advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. They open the 2024 season on the road, traveling to Indiana in an 8 p.m. ET contest on Thursday.