This week on Everything Orange, Sarah Detwiler is joined by freshman standout Ismaila Sawaneh as the Vols track and field program kicks off 2026. Ismaila shares what it felt like to compete in his first collegiate meets, including a winning debut at the Bob Pollock Invitational, and how joining such a stacked pole vault group has pushed him to new heights.

He looks back on his journey from growing up in Normandy, France, to competing at the European U23 level, and shares how those experiences shaped his mindset heading into his first year at Tennessee. Ismaila also talks about his transition to life in Knoxville, the support from Coach Kyle Ellis, and the excitement of contributing to a historic Vols pole vault group.

From his international background to what it means to wear the orange and white, Ismaila gives fans insight into the team’s competitive mindset and what to expect from a Vols squad aiming for excellence in 2026.