What’s the thing Tee Martin remembers most about Kellie Jolly Harper? She was a national champion during her playing career and proud representative of the University of Tennessee.

The two former Tennessee student-athletes turned Volunteer coaches have that in common in addition to recently being hired by the school this offseason. Martin and Harper both roamed the Hill at the same time, and when asked about the new Lady Vols coach, Tennessee’s receivers coach admitted it’s hard not to think all her accomplishments — as well as their shared time on Rocky Top.

“Three-time national champion, how could you forget that? Congratulations to her and her family, she’s been successful at her previous stops. I’m happy to get back some Tennessee blood,” Martin said when asked about Harper’s recent hire. “You know, Holly (Warlick) was, and she did a great job for us as a university, and for that women’s basketball program. But it was exciting to see someone from the family and someone who was around during the time that we were in school.”

Martin’s next thought is one every Tennessee fan can appreciate. While Phillip Fulmer worked hard to get the most out of his players, Pat Summitt has the reputation of being one of the toughest coaches in sports history. Obviously, those methods worked out well, and both of Tennessee’s new coaches have the rings to prove it.

“We were undefeated, and they were undefeated, it was pretty cool to see that in parallel,” Martin continued. “We were complaining about how hard Phillip (Fulmer) was on us, they were complaining about Pat, rest in peace. So, I’m really excited for her, and I’m looking forward to welcoming her back.”

Tennessee fans may be dying for their sports programs to return to former glory, but at least they can take some solace in the fact both the football program and the Lady Vols have coaches on staff that understand what it takes to not only reach the top but bring home titles to Rocky Top.