Under Kim Caldwell, the Lady Vols basketball team establishes a school record for the most 3-pointers made in a season.

Under Kim Caldwell, the Lady Vols Basketball Team Establishes a School Record for the Most 3-Pointers Made in a Season

The Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team has long been recognized as one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball. Over the decades, the Lady Vols have established a tradition of success, winning multiple national championships and producing countless star athletes. However, under head coach Kim Caldwell, the team reached a new milestone in its storied history: setting a school record for the most 3-pointers made in a single season.

Caldwell, who took over as head coach in 2022, has made a significant impact on the program in just a short amount of time. Known for her innovative offensive strategies, Caldwell’s Lady Vols squad has become one of the most dynamic and exciting teams to watch in the NCAA. This season, Caldwell’s emphasis on three-point shooting has paid off in a major way, as her team’s ability to stretch the floor and hit shots from beyond the arc has revolutionized the way the Lady Vols play the game.

In this article, we will examine how Kim Caldwell’s coaching philosophy has transformed the Lady Vols, how the team set the new 3-point record, and what this achievement means for the future of Tennessee basketball. We will also explore the individual players who have contributed to this historic season and discuss how this achievement fits into the broader context of the Lady Vols’ ongoing success.

A New Era for the Lady Vols

When Kim Caldwell was hired as the head coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols, she inherited a program with a rich history but a team that needed rejuvenation. While Tennessee had remained competitive in recent years, the Lady Vols were not quite at the level of their former championship-caliber teams. Caldwell, however, quickly set about changing the direction of the program with a clear focus on building a high-octane, modern offense.

Caldwell’s coaching style is rooted in an up-tempo offense that places a premium on spacing, ball movement, and versatility. Her emphasis on perimeter shooting has been especially evident this season, with the team shooting more 3-pointers than ever before. Under Caldwell’s guidance, the Lady Vols have adopted a more wide-open, fast-paced style of play that aligns with trends in women’s basketball and has given them an edge over opponents.

The most notable change has been the increased emphasis on the three-point shot. While Tennessee has always been a formidable program, it was often more focused on post play and physicality. However, Caldwell recognized the changing dynamics of the game, where spacing and shooting from long range have become key factors in a team’s success. Her decision to prioritize the three-point shot has not only elevated the team’s offensive production but also allowed her to tap into a growing trend in women’s basketball.

As the season progressed, it became clear that the Lady Vols were not just a team that could shoot 3-pointers—they were one of the best in the country at it. They rapidly began to rack up 3-point records, and by midseason, it became apparent that they had a legitimate chance to break the school record for the most 3-pointers made in a single season.

The Historic Record: Setting the Mark

The turning point came in early February, when the Lady Vols faced off against one of their toughest conference rivals, the South Carolina Gamecocks. In a high-intensity game, Tennessee’s three-point shooting was on full display. As the team connected on 15 three-pointers during the game, they not only defeated South Carolina in a statement victory but also set a new program record for the most 3-pointers made in a season.

The new record, which surpassed the previous mark of 257 made 3-pointers, was a significant achievement for the program. It wasn’t just a victory in one game—it was a culmination of Caldwell’s vision and the players’ hard work. It was also a testament to the changing style of Tennessee basketball under Caldwell’s leadership.

The moment was electrifying for the Lady Vols. Their ability to shoot the three-pointer with such consistency and efficiency had set them apart from many of their competitors. But it was the way they had adapted their offense and fully embraced Caldwell’s system that allowed them to reach this milestone. As Caldwell reflected on the achievement, she expressed pride in her team’s growth.

“We’ve worked so hard to develop this aspect of our game, and it’s incredible to see the results,” Caldwell said after the record-breaking performance. “Our players have really embraced the idea that we can be a great shooting team, and this record is a reflection of their dedication and belief in the system. It’s a huge accomplishment, but it’s just the beginning for this program.”

For Caldwell, the record represented more than just a statistical achievement—it symbolized the new identity of Tennessee basketball. The Lady Vols were no longer just a traditional power relying on dominant post play; they were a modern team with the ability to shoot the ball from anywhere on the court. This shift in philosophy was not only helping Tennessee succeed on the court, but it was also setting the foundation for future success.

Key Players and Contributors

The record-breaking season would not have been possible without the outstanding individual performances from several key players on the Lady Vols roster. While Tennessee’s success in three-point shooting has been a team effort, there have been a few standout players whose shooting prowess has helped push the team to new heights.

Jordyn James, a junior guard, has been one of the top contributors to the Lady Vols’ three-point shooting success. Known for her deadly accuracy from beyond the arc, James quickly became one of the most dangerous perimeter shooters in the NCAA. Throughout the season, she has made multiple clutch 3-pointers in high-pressure moments, and her ability to stretch the defense has allowed Tennessee to open up the floor and create more scoring opportunities.

“Jordyn has been phenomenal for us this season,” said Caldwell. “She’s worked tirelessly on her shot, and it’s been exciting to watch her growth as a player. Her ability to hit shots from deep range has been a huge part of our success.”

Another player who has played a crucial role in Tennessee’s 3-point success is Rachel Foster, a sophomore forward. Foster has developed a reputation as a versatile shooter, capable of hitting 3-pointers from all areas of the court. Her ability to space the floor and knock down shots has added a dimension to Tennessee’s offense that was previously lacking.

Foster’s development as a shooter has also been complemented by the team’s high basketball IQ and fast ball movement. Caldwell has emphasized the importance of unselfish play, and the Lady Vols have exemplified that with their ability to find the open shooter. The ball movement has been swift and precise, leading to more open looks from three.

As the team nears the postseason, these key players—along with others like Kyla McCoy and Alyssa Perkins—will continue to be integral to Tennessee’s success in the tournament. If they can maintain their shooting prowess, the Lady Vols could make a serious run at a national championship.

The Broader Impact on Tennessee Basketball

The impact of this record extends far beyond just the 2023-2024 season. Setting the school record for the most 3-pointers made in a season represents a philosophical shift that could shape the future of Tennessee basketball for years to come. Under Kim Caldwell, the Lady Vols have embraced a modern, fast-paced style of play that centers on perimeter shooting, and this change has already begun to bear fruit.

One of the key components of Caldwell’s strategy has been recruiting. By showing recruits that Tennessee is now a program that not only competes at the highest level but does so with a cutting-edge, up-tempo offense, the Lady Vols are positioning themselves to remain a force in women’s college basketball for the foreseeable future. The success of Caldwell’s offense has already begun to attract attention from high school players across the country, with many top recruits expressing interest in joining the program.

Moreover, the three-point shooting revolution has also inspired a new generation of basketball players in Tennessee. Young players looking to make their mark on the game can now look to the Lady Vols as a model of success. The ability to shoot the three-pointer with consistency and accuracy has become a fundamental skill for aspiring players, and Tennessee has shown that it is possible to win at the highest levels with that skill set.

Looking Ahead

As the Lady Vols approach the postseason, they will continue to rely on their three-point shooting as one of their primary offensive weapons. However, this achievement is just the beginning. With Caldwell at the helm, Tennessee has the potential to become even more dominant in the years to come. The program is on the rise, and the future looks incredibly bright.

With a deep roster, a proven system, and a coach who has shown she can adapt to the evolving landscape of women’s college basketball, Tennessee is poised to remain one of the top teams in the nation for the foreseeable future.

As Kim Caldwell and the Lady Vols look to build on this historic season, there’s no doubt that the best is yet to come. The 3-point record is just a milestone in the journey, and Tennessee’s quest for a national championship is very much alive. Under Caldwell’s leadership, the sky’s the limit for the Lady Vols.