The 1996–97 Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball team represented the University of Tennessee as a member of the Southeastern Conference during the 1996-97 women's college basketball season. Coached by Pat Summitt, the Lady Volunteers rebounded from a challenging regular season to finish 29–10 and win back-to-back national championships, while playing one of the toughest schedules in the nation. The Lady Vols started off the season ranked number four.