The energy at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is growing with each semester, each year and each season. In celebration, UT is premiering a high-energy halftime spot that focuses on the people and programs that have Rocky Top on the rise.
Narrated by UT alumna and former Lady Vol basketball player Andraya Carter, now an analyst and reporter with the SEC Network and ESPN, the video highlights UT’s banner year with record student enrollment, faculty achievements, research growth, expanding partnerships and unforgettable victories.
Viewers will get glimpses of Lady Vol swimmer Margaret Marando, who recently donated bone marrow to help save the life of a young boy; Professor of History Tore Olsson, whose popular course uses the video game Red Dead Redemption to teach history; Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science and Management John Sorochan, who is preparing playing fields for the 2026 FIFA World Cup; and National Fastpitch Coaches Association Pitcher of the Year Ashley Rogers, whose research in the lab could help other pitchers fighting injuries.
Featured academic areas include UT’s highly ranked programs in supply chain management, advanced materials and theatre as well as the newly created College of Music.
The video will premiere during the Vols’ matchup with the University of Virginia Cavaliers this Saturday, Sept. 2, in Nashville’s Nissan Stadium and will be nationally televised during future Vol sporting events.