In Knoxville, Tennessee, University of Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White and Chancellor Donde Plowman officially introduced Kim Caldwell as the new head coach of the Lady Vol basketball team at a press conference held in the Ray and Lucy Hand Digital North Studio on Tuesday afternoon.
Caldwell boasts an impressive coaching record, with a career tally of 217 wins and 31 losses, securing eight NCAA Tournament appearances in her eight seasons as a head coach. Her most recent success came at Marshall University during the 2023-24 season, where she led the Thundering Herd to a school-record 26-7 overall record and clinched the 2024 Spalding Maggie Dixon NCAA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year award, along with the Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year title. Prior to her stint at Marshall, Caldwell achieved notable success at NCAA Division II Glenville State, including a national championship win in 2022.
Expressing her gratitude for the opportunity, Caldwell thanked White and Plowman for their belief in her, acknowledging the warm welcome she received. She also extended her appreciation to her former teams, Marshall University and Glenville State University, as well as her family and mentors who supported her journey to this point.
Reflecting on her coaching philosophy, Caldwell emphasized her commitment to fostering a fast-paced, exciting style of basketball, with a focus on relentless defense and high-scoring offense. She acknowledged the rich legacy of the Lady Vol program and expressed her dedication to upholding its standards while striving to carve out her own path.
White echoed Caldwell’s sentiments, highlighting the thoroughness of the coaching search process and the excitement surrounding Caldwell’s appointment. He emphasized the importance of finding a coach who not only possessed a distinct coaching style but also demonstrated integrity, character, and a genuine concern for the well-being of her players.
In an interview session, Lady Vol senior guard Jewel Spear conveyed her enthusiasm for Caldwell’s coaching approach, noting its alignment with her own playing style and the evolving trends in college basketball. She also emphasized the team’s unity and determination to reclaim its position at the top of the SEC under Caldwell’s leadership.
