Tennessee announces return of ‘Lady Vols’ logo, brand

After a stream of controversy in recent years surrounding the use of “Lady Vols” for women’s sports at the University of Tennessee, the current administration is taking action to revive the beloved branding.

The university announced on today they would be bringing back the “Lady Vols” name, logo and brand for all women’s sports.

“We will not allow for the Lady Vols brand to disappear from our athletic department or university,” Tennessee athletic director John Currie said at a press conference.

This decision comes after former UT Chancellor Jimmy Cheek and former AD Dave Hart announced in 2014 that they had decided to drop the Lady-Vols nickname for all of the university’s women’s sports — except basketball. The choice was immediately followed by backlash from both former athletes and fans.

A school press release stated the reason why the basketball team kept the logo:

“The women's basketball program was excluded from this transition because of the accomplishments and legacy of the championship program built by Coach Pat Summitt and her former players. The Lady Volunteers nickname and brand is truly reflective of Coach Summitt and her legacy and will continue to be associated with the Tennessee women's basketball team.”

According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, Lady Vols branding and signage will be restored at athletic facilities such as softball's Sherri Parker Lee Stadium and soccer's Regal Stadium.