Few names in sports resonate as powerfully as Pat Summitt’s. As the head coach of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers for 38 years, Summitt revolutionized women’s basketball, building one of the most respected programs in college sports. Her influence extended far beyond wins and championships, shaping the lives of countless players and coaches who have continued her legacy.
For Kim Caldwell, a former Lady Vol and now an assistant coach for the team, the fingerprints of Summitt’s legacy are evident in every practice, every game, and every player who dons the Tennessee orange. As the Lady Vols look to reclaim their dominance in women’s basketball, Caldwell and the team are leaning heavily on the lessons and standards that Summitt instilled decades ago.
Caldwell, who played under Summitt in the mid-2000s, recalls her time with the legendary coach as transformative. “Coach Summitt didn’t just teach basketball; she taught life,” Caldwell said in a recent interview. “Her impact wasn’t just about winning games—it was about preparing us to face challenges head-on, both on and off the court.”
Caldwell credits Summitt with shaping her coaching philosophy, which emphasizes discipline, accountability, and a relentless work ethic. “Every decision I make as a coach, I ask myself, ‘Would Coach Summitt approve of this?’ Her voice is still in my head, pushing me to demand the best from myself and my players.”
As the Lady Vols navigate the 2025 season, they do so with a renewed commitment to the values that defined Summitt’s teams: teamwork, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of preparation. The current squad, led by head coach Kellie Harper, another Summitt protégé, has embraced the challenge of living up to the program’s storied history.
Caldwell’s role on the coaching staff has been instrumental in bridging the gap between Summitt’s era and the present. She frequently shares anecdotes about her playing days, using them as teaching moments for the current players. “I want them to understand what it means to be a Lady Vol,” Caldwell explained. “It’s not just about basketball—it’s about carrying yourself with pride, treating others with respect, and always striving for excellence.”
Summitt’s legacy isn’t confined to Tennessee. Her influence is felt across women’s basketball, from the college ranks to the WNBA. Known for her no-nonsense approach and fierce competitiveness, Summitt set a standard that coaches around the country continue to emulate.
Under Summitt’s leadership, the Lady Vols won eight national championships and reached the NCAA Tournament 31 consecutive times. Her career record of 1,098 wins remains a benchmark in basketball history. But perhaps her greatest achievement was the way she empowered her players, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in coaching, business, and other fields.
Caldwell is one of many former players who credit Summitt with giving them the tools to succeed in life. “She taught us how to lead, how to persevere, and how to believe in ourselves,” Caldwell said. “Her lessons are timeless, and I see them in action every day, whether it’s in practice or in how our players carry themselves off the court.”
The Lady Vols continue to honor Summitt’s legacy in tangible ways. Her name adorns the court at Thompson-Boling Arena, and the team frequently participates in initiatives that support the Pat Summitt Foundation, which raises awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research.
For Caldwell, keeping Summitt’s memory alive is a deeply personal mission. “We owe it to her to carry the torch and keep this program at the highest level,” she said. “Pat Summitt didn’t just build a basketball dynasty—she built a legacy of excellence that will endure forever.”
As the Lady Vols strive for another championship season, they do so with the knowledge that they are standing on the shoulders of a giant. Summitt’s principles are woven into the fabric of the program, and her influence is as strong as ever.
For Kim Caldwell and the rest of the Lady Vols, every game is an opportunity to honor Summitt’s legacy by embodying the values she held dear: hard work, integrity, and a commitment to greatness. In doing so, they ensure that her spirit remains a guiding force, not just for Tennessee but for the entire world of women’s basketball.