Kim Caldwell, the head coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols women’s basketball team, has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the program since her appointment in April 2024. Her dedication is evident not only in her coaching achievements but also in her personal sacrifices.
Coaching Achievements
In her inaugural season, Caldwell led the Lady Vols to a 26-7 record, including a 17-1 mark in conference play. This performance earned her the Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year award and secured the team’s second NCAA Tournament berth since 1997.
Under her leadership, the Lady Vols have achieved significant victories, including a 91-78 win over Texas A&M in their SEC opener. Despite the win, Caldwell expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s second-half performance, stating, “I think we had a really good opportunity to make a statement and we blew it.”
Another notable achievement was the team’s 80-76 victory over UConn, marking Tennessee’s first win in the rivalry since 2007. Caldwell described the win as a defining moment, highlighting the team’s competitive edge.
Personal Sacrifices
Caldwell’s commitment to the Lady Vols extends beyond her professional responsibilities. In January 2025, she gave birth to her first child, a son named Conor Scott Caldwell. Remarkably, she returned to coaching just one week later, during a game against South Carolina. Her swift return was met with a standing ovation from fans and praise from peers, including South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, who remarked, “Women have the strength of 10 men, no doubt about it.”
Ongoing Commitment
Caldwell’s dedication to the Lady Vols remains steadfast. She continues to lead the team with a focus on excellence, as evidenced by her critical assessments following games. After a narrow 71-70 loss to Vanderbilt, she emphasized the need for improvement, stating, “We can’t continue to just do the same thing and have quarters where we don’t show up.”
Through her coaching achievements and personal sacrifices, Kim Caldwell has reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to the Tennessee Lady Vols, embodying the spirit and dedication of the program.
