Tennessee HC Kim Caldwell Meets Media for First Time Since Giving Birth to Her Son
Tennessee Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell made her highly anticipated return to the public eye on Sunday, meeting with the media in Knoxville for the first time since giving birth to her son, Conor Caldwell, last week. The event was filled with excitement and emotion, as Caldwell shared her thoughts on balancing motherhood and coaching while preparing her team for the remainder of the season.
The press conference was held at Thompson-Boling Arena, where Caldwell addressed a variety of topics, including her experiences as a first-time mother, the team’s progress during her brief absence, and her plans moving forward. The head coach appeared energized, grateful, and ready to embrace the challenges of both motherhood and leading one of college basketball’s most storied programs.
Caldwell opened the press conference with a heartfelt statement about how becoming a mother has changed her perspective on life and coaching.
“Last week was the most incredible and humbling experience of my life,” Caldwell said. “Welcoming Conor into the world has brought a new sense of purpose and joy to everything I do. It’s a blessing I can’t even put into words.”
She expressed gratitude for her husband, Justin, who has been a supportive partner throughout this journey. Caldwell credited him for stepping up at home while she focused on getting back to her team.
“I couldn’t have done this without Justin. He’s been my rock, and I’m so thankful for how he’s embraced this new role as a dad,” she said with a smile.
When asked about how she plans to balance her responsibilities as a mother and head coach, Caldwell acknowledged the challenges but emphasized her commitment to both roles.
“It’s a balancing act, no doubt, but I’ve always believed in the power of teamwork,” she said. “Just like I lean on my coaching staff and players on the court, I’ll lean on my family and support system at home. It’s all about being present and giving 100% to what’s in front of me, whether that’s my son or my team.”
Caldwell also expressed appreciation for the support she’s received from the university, her players, and the Tennessee fan base.
“The outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming,” she said. “From my players to the fans, everyone has made me feel so supported during this time. It’s a reminder of why Tennessee is such a special place.”
Caldwell briefly stepped away from her coaching duties last week to focus on her family, with associate head coach Kara Lawson stepping in as the interim leader. Caldwell praised her staff and players for their resilience and ability to adapt in her absence.
“Our staff did an incredible job keeping everything running smoothly,” she said. “I have so much trust in Kara and the rest of the coaching staff. They stepped up, and the players responded beautifully. It’s a testament to the culture we’ve built here.”
As the Lady Vols prepare for the stretch run of the season, Caldwell expressed confidence in her team’s ability to rise to the occasion.
“We’ve got a talented group, and I’m excited to be back in the mix,” she said. “Our focus remains the same: getting better every day and representing this program with pride. I’m ready to hit the ground running.”
Caldwell also noted that becoming a mother has given her a renewed perspective on coaching.
“I think motherhood has already made me a better coach,” she said. “It’s given me more patience, more understanding, and a deeper appreciation for the relationships I have with my players. I want to be an example for them—not just as a coach, but as someone who embraces life’s challenges and joys.”
Kim Caldwell’s return to the Lady Vols is a moment of celebration, both for her growing family and the Tennessee basketball community. As she begins this new chapter, fans and players alike are eager to see how her renewed energy and perspective will translate to success on the court. With her leadership and determination, the Lady Vols appear poised for a strong finish to the season.