I became a Lady Vol in September of 1980 and Graduated as an 11-Time All SEC, 15-Time All American, 6-Time SEC Champion and 11-Time NCAA Champion. My sport was Track & Field and we won the 1st National Title under the AIAW in 1981, my freshmen year. As a result of my athletic accomplishments as a Lady Vol, I was inducted into the 1st class of the UT Lady Vol Hall of Fame. I provided this information because for over 35 years I have taken pride in being a Lady Vol and everything is stands for. I learned about being Accountable, having Character and Achieving Excellence. When, I heard about the decision, to change the logo, like many, I was surprised and thought that the decision was not based on anything good or for the Advancement of Women in Sports.

With that being said, I realize that hard decisions must be made but true character and leadership ability transcends money and diabolical schemes disguised as “Making Something Better.” It is important for all of us that are concerned about the the Lady Vols’ Logo and the lack of concern/respect for the past, the Lady Vols graduates, the fans and tradition, to write and call to make your concerns heard.

As a Lady Vols athlete and fan I have learned a lot and I want to share this:

“You can fool the whole world down the pathways of life, and get pats on the back as you pass, but your true reward will be hard ache and pain if you trick the PERSON in the glass.”

Much can be said about that to those in the decision making positions at UT.

Bring Back the Lady Vols. The logo stands for everything that is Excellent, Hopeful, Pure, Successful and Strong.

Joetta Clark Diggs
Lady Vol
1988, 1992, 1996 & 2000 Olympian
Businesswoman & Author

You can follow along with Ms. Clark Diggs on her own website, Joetta Sports and Beyond