Congratulations: Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball head coach Kim Caldwell has etched her name into the program’s history books, winning her second Naismith Coach of the Year award. This prestigious honor, coupled with her recent WBCA Perdue Award win, marks a remarkable achievement for Caldwell, making her only the second coach in Tennessee Lady Vols history to earn two Naismith Coach of the Year awards, following in the legendary footsteps of Pat Summitt. Caldwell’s latest……
Kim Caldwell’s achievement is truly remarkable, marking her as a standout in the world of college basketball. As the head coach of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, Caldwell has etched her name into the program’s history books by winning her second Naismith Coach of the Year award. This prestigious honor, coupled with her recent WBCA Perdue Award win, solidifies her position as one of the top coaches in the country.
*Caldwell’s Coaching Journey*
Caldwell’s coaching career has been nothing short of impressive. She began her journey as an assistant coach at Ohio Valley and Sacramento State before becoming the head coach at Glenville State. During her seven-year tenure at Glenville State, she led the team to six regular season conference championships, four conference tournament championships, and a NCAA Division II National Championship in 2022.¹
*Rise to Tennessee*
After a successful stint at Glenville State, Caldwell took on the role of head coach at Marshall University, where she led the team to a Sun Belt Conference regular season championship and a conference tournament championship in her first year. Her impressive performance earned her the 2024 Spalding Maggie Dixon NCAA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year award. Caldwell’s success at Marshall paved the way for her move to Tennessee, where she became the first non-Tennessee alum to lead the program since Pat Summitt.²
*Caldwell’s Impact on Tennessee*
In her first season at Tennessee, Caldwell has led the Lady Volunteers to a remarkable 19-6 overall record and a 6-6 mark in SEC play. The team has climbed to a season-best No. 15/13 in the current national rankings after beginning the year unranked. Caldwell’s team has knocked off top-ranked teams, including No. 5/5 UConn and No. 17/20 Iowa, showcasing her ability to lead the team to victories against elite opponents.³
*Caldwell’s Coaching Style*
Caldwell’s coaching style is characterized by her emphasis on fast-paced, exciting basketball. Her teams are known for their high-scoring offense, three-point shooting, and aggressive defense. Caldwell’s unique system has taken hold at Tennessee, and the team has shown remarkable competitiveness, with five of their six losses coming against teams ranked in the top 10.⁴
*Awards and Recognition*
Caldwell’s awards and recognition are a testament to her exceptional coaching skills. Some of her notable awards include:
– *WBCA Division II National Coach of the Year (2022)*: Caldwell received this award for leading Glenville State to a NCAA Division II National Championship.
– *Spalding Maggie Dixon NCAA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year (2024)*: Caldwell earned this award for her impressive performance in her first year at Marshall University.
– *Naismith Coach of the Year*: Caldwell has won this award twice, solidifying her position as one of the top coaches in the country.
*Personal Life*
Caldwell’s personal life is also worth noting. She married Justin Caldwell, who became the player development coordinator for the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team, following her hiring as the Lady Volunteers basketball coach. In September 2024, she announced her pregnancy, and their son, Conor Scott Caldwell, was born on January 20, 2025, amidst the Lady Volunteers SEC schedule. Caldwell’s ability to balance her personal and professional life is truly inspiring.
*Legacy*
Caldwell’s legacy at Tennessee is still being written, but her impact on the program is already evident. She has brought a new level of excitement and competitiveness to the team, and her players have thrived under her leadership. With her second Naismith Coach of the Year award, Caldwell has cemented her place in Tennessee basketball history, joining the likes of Pat Summitt as one of the program’s all-time greats.
In conclusion, Kim Caldwell’s achievement is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and exceptional coaching skills. As she continues to lead the Lady Volunteers, fans can expect more exciting basketball and impressive performances from this talented coach.
