In her inaugural season at the helm of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, head coach Kim Caldwell has been recognized for her outstanding leadership and success by being named to the 2025 Werner Ladder Naismith Women’s College Coach of the Year Watch List. This prestigious acknowledgment places her among the elite in collegiate women’s basketball coaching.
A Remarkable Debut Season
Taking over a storied program like Tennessee comes with its set of challenges and expectations. However, Caldwell has seamlessly integrated her coaching philosophy, leading the Lady Vols to a commendable 19-6 overall record and a 6-6 mark in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. Under her guidance, the team has achieved a season-best national ranking of No. 15 in the Associated Press Poll and No. 13 in the Coaches Poll, a significant ascent from starting the season unranked.
The Lady Vols have showcased their prowess against top-tier competition, securing notable victories over No. 5 UConn and No. 17 Iowa. Their six losses have been narrow, with a combined margin of just 20 points, five of which were against top-10 ranked teams. This resilience and competitiveness reflect Caldwell’s effective coaching strategies and her ability to prepare the team for high-stakes encounters.
Recognition Among Coaching Elite
Caldwell’s inclusion on the Naismith Coach of the Year Watch List is a testament to her immediate impact on the program. She stands alongside 14 other distinguished coaches, including six from the SEC: Kenny Brooks (Kentucky), Kim Mulkey (LSU), Shea Ralph (Vanderbilt), Vic Schaefer (Texas), and Dawn Staley (South Carolina). This collective representation underscores the competitive nature and high caliber of coaching within the conference.
Offensive Prowess and Fan Engagement
Under Caldwell’s leadership, the Lady Vols have adopted an exhilarating style of play that has captivated fans and analysts alike. The team ranks among the nation’s leaders in several statistical categories, including scoring offense, three-pointers made per game, offensive rebounds, steals, and turnovers forced. This dynamic approach has not only translated to on-court success but has also reignited fan enthusiasm. The Lady Vols are averaging an impressive 10,547 attendees per home game at the Food City Center, ranking fifth nationally and marking the highest attendance figures since the 2013-14 season.
A Proven Track Record of Excellence
Before her tenure at Tennessee, Caldwell amassed a remarkable coaching record of 236-37 (.864) over nine seasons, including a 155-19 (.891) conference record. Her accolades include five conference Coach of the Year honors, the 2024 Spalding Maggie Dixon NCAA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year award, and the 2022 NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year award, where she was honored with the Pat Summitt Trophy. These achievements highlight her consistent ability to elevate programs and foster a culture of excellence.
Balancing Personal Milestones with Professional Commitments
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Caldwell recently celebrated a personal milestone with the birth of her first child last month. Demonstrating unwavering dedication, she missed only one game—the Lady Vols’ matchup against Texas—returning to the sidelines just a week postpartum. This commitment exemplifies her passion and steadfastness, qualities that resonate throughout the team and the broader Tennessee community.
Looking Ahead
As the regular season approaches its conclusion, the Lady Vols are poised to continue their strong performance. Upcoming games include a home contest against No. 18 Alabama, followed by road games at Florida and No. 14 Kentucky, and concluding with a home game against Georgia. Maintaining their momentum could enhance their seeding prospects for the NCAA Tournament, with current projections positioning them as a potential host for the first two rounds.
Kim Caldwell’s inaugural season with the Tennessee Lady Vols has been nothing short of remarkable. Her leadership, both on and off the court, has revitalized the program and set a foundation for sustained success. Being named to the Naismith Coach of the Year Watch List is a well-deserved honor, reflecting her dedication, strategic acumen, and the profound impact she has had in such a short period. As the season progresses, the Lady Vols, under Caldwell’s guidance, are poised to make significant strides and leave an indelible mark on women’s college basketball.