How Joni Taylor is Helping Lady Vols Coach Kim Caldwell Through Pregnancy in Her First Season
Balancing a head coaching position in college basketball and a growing family is no easy feat, yet Tennessee Lady Vols assistant coach Kim Caldwell is doing exactly that in her first season on staff. As she navigates the challenges of pregnancy while adapting to her new role under head coach Kellie Harper, she has found a mentor and supporter in Joni Taylor, the head coach of the Texas A&M women’s basketball team. Taylor, who famously led her team while pregnant during her time at Georgia, has been an invaluable source of guidance and encouragement for Caldwell.
Joni Taylor is no stranger to balancing the demands of coaching and motherhood. In 2019, while coaching the Georgia Lady Bulldogs, she led her team through a season while pregnant with her second child. Taylor’s experience as a working mother in the high-pressure world of college basketball has made her a trailblazer in the sport.
Now at Texas A&M, Taylor has stepped into the role of mentor for Caldwell, sharing insights and advice to help her navigate the unique challenges of pregnancy as a coach. Their shared experiences have created a bond that transcends school rivalries and speaks to the solidarity among women in college basketball.
“I’ve been in her shoes, and I know how tough it can be to juggle it all,” Taylor said in a recent interview. “It’s about finding balance, asking for help when you need it, and leaning on the people around you. Kim is doing an amazing job, and I’m proud of how she’s handling everything.”
Taylor’s support for Caldwell goes beyond X’s and O’s on the court. She has provided practical advice on managing the physical demands of pregnancy while maintaining a high level of energy and focus for her team. From ensuring Caldwell takes care of herself during long travel days to offering tips on how to involve her players in the journey, Taylor’s wisdom has been invaluable.
“Joni has been a lifesaver,” Caldwell said. “She’s reminded me that it’s okay to take a step back when I need to, and that showing my players the human side of being a coach is just as important as anything I can teach them on the court.”
Caldwell has also leaned on Taylor’s example of creating a supportive environment for her players and staff. Taylor has been vocal about the importance of fostering a culture of understanding and inclusion, something Caldwell is working to replicate within the Lady Vols program.
While Taylor’s mentorship has been instrumental, Caldwell has also received tremendous support from the Tennessee Lady Vols family. Head coach Kellie Harper, herself a mother, has emphasized the importance of family within the program. Harper has ensured that Caldwell feels supported in her dual roles as coach and mother-to-be.
“Our program is built on the idea that family comes first,” Harper said. “Kim is an incredible coach and a wonderful person, and we’re all here to make sure she has what she needs to thrive in this role.”
The players, too, have rallied around Caldwell. Many of them see her as an example of strength and resilience, and they’ve expressed their excitement about welcoming a new member to the Lady Vols family.
For Caldwell, the experience of coaching while pregnant is about more than personal growth—it’s about inspiring the next generation of women in sports. By showing her players that it’s possible to pursue their professional dreams while building a family, she hopes to set an example of what’s possible with the right support and determination.
“Joni told me early on that my pregnancy is a strength, not a weakness,” Caldwell said. “It’s a reminder to these young women that they can have it all—they can chase their dreams, break barriers, and still prioritize their families.”
As the Lady Vols continue their season, Caldwell’s journey serves as a testament to the power of mentorship and the importance of supporting women in sports. With Joni Taylor as a guiding hand and the Lady Vols program fully behind her, Caldwell is poised to make her first season in Knoxville a memorable one—not just for what happens on the court, but for the example she sets off it.
In an era where work-life balance is increasingly important, Caldwell’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the strength of a community that uplifts its own.