The 2008/2009 Lady Vols Basketball season was marked by both triumph and disappointment. The team, led by legendary coach Pat Summitt, had a rebuilding season after the departure of the WNBA's No. 1 draft pick, Candace Parker. Despite facing significant challenges, the Lady Vols managed to finish the season with a record of 22-11.

On February 5, 2009, the Lady Vols made history as Summitt became the first coach in college basketball, men's or women's, to win 1,000 games. The milestone victory came in a 73-43 home win over Georgia and was celebrated by fans and fellow coaches alike.

Entering the NCAA tournament with a #5 seed, the Lady Vols faced off against the 26-8 Ball State Cardinals in the opening round. It was a shocking upset as Ball State won the game 71-55, marking the first time the Lady Vols had lost in the first two rounds of the tournament. Tennessee had previously gone 42-0 in the opening rounds of the tournament, and their loss made them the first defending champions to lose their opening game in the women's tournament. Despite the disappointment of the early tournament exit, the Lady Vols continued to be a dominant force in women's college basketball, thanks in no small part to the leadership of Coach Summitt.