SMU fans didn’t expect this—Nya Robertson, the Mustangs’ top scorer and an All-ACC second team honoree, is heading to Tennessee.
Robertson announced her transfer to the Lady Vols on Sunday, just after visiting Knoxville for Tennessee’s spring football game. Her decision marks a big shift for both programs and leaves a major hole in SMU’s lineup.
Last season, Robertson was the heart of SMU’s offense. The 5-foot-7 guard put up 18.5 points, 3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while logging 34.2 minutes a night. She posted a career-best 32 points against Louisville in February and led the team in both scoring and three-point attempts (7.3 per game).
Her exit means SMU is not only losing a high-volume scorer but also a dynamic shot-creator and reliable deep threat, with a career 3-point percentage of 33.2%. For Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell, Robertson addresses a key need. With Tennessee losing its top three long-range shooters to graduation, they were in the market for a proven perimeter scorer. Robertson fits perfectly—bringing experience, grit, and offensive firepower. She shot a career-best 76.6% from the free-throw line last year (111-for-145), showing she’s not afraid to drive and draw contact—an essential trait in Caldwell’s attacking system.
Robertson began her college career at George Washington, where she was named A-10 Sixth Woman of the Year as a freshman. Each season, she’s gotten better, becoming one of the more underrated guards in the country. Now at Tennessee, she’ll be on a bigger stage with a chance to make a national impact in her final season.
SMU fans should hold their heads high—Robertson’s rise is a testament to the program’s player development. But her departure is a reminder of today’s college basketball reality. With the transfer portal reshaping rosters constantly, SMU now faces the challenge of reloading, replacing its offensive leader, and continuing to grow in an ever-changing environment.
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