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Two recruits decommit from Lady Vols after Kellie Harper’s firing

Nyla Brooks, a five-star guard, and Finley Chastain, a future top prospect, are now looking at other schools. However, they still could commit to the Vols.

Credit: AP

Tennessee head coach Kellie Harper in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022, in Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The aftermath of Tennessee Athletics firing women’s basketball coach Kellie Harper is unfolding.

Two top commitments in future recruiting classes have decommitted from Tennessee as a result.

Nyla Brooks, a five-star guard in the Class of 2025, reopened her commitment on Tuesday morning.

Thank you @KellieHarper @UTCoachSam @CoachJoy2u @JHarp_10 & Thank you Lady VOLs Nation @LadyVol_Hoops …….maybe I will be back in 2025. @BishopIretonWBB @BWSLGirlsAAU - ready for @NikeGirlsEYBL - April at Boo Williams Sports Complex ! pic.twitter.com/brBq1A22DL
— 2025 Nyla Brooks (@ball_7b) April 2, 2024

Finley Chastain, who is in the Class of 2027, is expected to be rated a five-star prospect when the rankings come out for her class.

Over the past 2 years, I have fallen in love with the Knoxville community and everything Tennessee. The staff, players, and fans have been amazing! While I’m not closing the door on being a Lady Vol, due to the recent change in staff, I will be reopening my recruitment. If you…
— Finley Chastain (@finleychastain1) April 1, 2024

Both high school players say while they have reopened their commitment, they are not ruling out once again committing to the Lady Vols.

Harper was fired after taking over the program in 2019 following the firing of then-head coach Holly Warlick. Harper could not lead the Lady Vols past the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament and the team was bounced in the round of 32 this past season.