Why Kim Caldwell, the new coach of the Lady Vols basketball team, made this victory so memorable | Adams

For a program steeped in tradition, history, and championships, the Tennessee Lady Volunteers’ latest NCAA Tournament victory might seem like just another step on a familiar path. But for Kim Caldwell, the new head coach of the Lady Vols, and her resilient squad, this particular win resonated deeply. It wasn’t just about advancing past the first round of March Madness — it was about planting the seeds of a new era, overcoming personal and professional challenges, and restoring pride to a program synonymous with excellence.

A Program in Transition

When Kim Caldwell took over the Lady Vols program in April 2024, she stepped into a role that carried immense expectations. Tennessee, after all, is not just any basketball program. It is the home of legendary coach Pat Summitt, who built a dynasty with eight national championships and a culture of discipline and winning. However, in recent seasons, the Lady Vols had fallen short of the program’s historically lofty standards, sparking conversations about returning to national prominence.

Caldwell, known for her success at Division II Glenville State where she won a national title, was tasked with reinvigorating a program hungry to reassert itself among the nation’s elite. From the moment she arrived in Knoxville, Caldwell emphasized a shift in tempo and mentality. She preached an aggressive, pressing defense and a high-octane offense aimed at overwhelming opponents. Yet, the challenge was not just about Xs and Os — it was about reshaping an identity.

The Stakes of the NCAA Tournament

The Lady Vols’ first-round matchup against Green Bay in the 2025 NCAA Tournament wasn’t just a game — it was a litmus test. Green Bay, a battle-tested mid-major powerhouse known for its grit and discipline, was the type of opponent capable of frustrating a team still finding its stride under a first-year coach. But Caldwell’s Lady Vols were prepared for the fight.

From the opening tip, Tennessee played with urgency and confidence. They dictated the pace, pushing the ball in transition and hounding Green Bay’s ball handlers with full-court pressure. For Caldwell, this was a culmination of months of relentless preparation, from preseason conditioning drills to film sessions breaking down opponents.

The result? A convincing win that didn’t just advance Tennessee to the next round, but also served as a statement: The Lady Vols were embracing their new identity under Caldwell, and it was paying dividends.

Caldwell’s Personal Journey

What made this victory even more memorable was the personal resilience Caldwell displayed throughout the season. In January 2025, Caldwell gave birth to her son, Conor, just as the heart of conference play was beginning. Returning to the sidelines just a week after giving birth, she defied traditional expectations and sparked a national conversation about motherhood and leadership in high-pressure environments.

Balancing motherhood with the demands of guiding a marquee program through an intense season, Caldwell became a symbol of strength and perseverance. Her players, many of whom are young women preparing to navigate careers and life beyond basketball, drew inspiration from her ability to lead with vulnerability and determination.

Caldwell herself downplayed the feat when asked by media after the game. “It’s just what we do as coaches, as women, as moms,” she said. “You give everything you have to your family and to your team.”

But her players saw more than just a coach — they saw a role model.

Changing the Culture

Inside the locker room, Caldwell’s impact has been transformative. Players rave about her straightforward communication, her emphasis on conditioning, and her trust in them to play fast and free. Under her guidance, the Lady Vols have embraced a system that pushes them to play with relentless energy for 40 minutes.

“She’s brought a new fire to us,” senior guard Jasmine Powell said. “We know we’re going to get after teams from the jump, and we love that.”

Indeed, Caldwell’s philosophy stands in contrast to some of the grind-it-out, half-court-heavy systems that Tennessee had leaned on in recent years. The Lady Vols now look to create offense from their defense, forcing turnovers and converting them into quick points in transition. This style not only played a key role in the win over Green Bay but has energized the fan base, who appreciate the entertaining brand of basketball.

A Nod to Tradition

While Caldwell is building something new, she’s also respectful of the legacy that Tennessee basketball carries. At every turn, she has emphasized that honoring the past is integral to forging a successful future. From referencing Summitt’s leadership to involving alumni in program activities, Caldwell understands that the Lady Vols are more than just a team — they’re a cornerstone of women’s college basketball.

Following the tournament win, she made sure to acknowledge the weight of the “Power T” on the jersey. “There’s a responsibility that comes with wearing Tennessee across your chest,” Caldwell said. “We talk about it every day. We don’t run from expectations. We embrace them.”

A Boost for the Future

The immediate benefit of Caldwell’s leadership is the Lady Vols’ continued march in the NCAA Tournament, but the long-term implications are even more promising. Recruiting momentum is building, as Caldwell’s style appeals to high school prospects who want to play fast, score in bunches, and be part of a program on the rise.

Additionally, the team’s chemistry has improved dramatically under Caldwell’s leadership. Players have bought into their roles, and the emphasis on accountability has created a sense of collective ownership in the program’s success.

“We’re not just playing for ourselves,” said junior forward Rickea Jackson. “We’re playing for Coach, we’re playing for our teammates, and we’re playing for all the Lady Vols who came before us.”

National Attention

Caldwell’s return to coaching just days after childbirth drew national media attention, as outlets like The Guardian and ESPN spotlighted her story. The conversation around work-life balance in coaching, particularly for women, became a focal point. Caldwell’s ability to compartmentalize — to be fully present as both a mother and a coach — resonated beyond the confines of sports.

While Caldwell has been quick to deflect attention away from herself and back to her players, her story has nonetheless become intertwined with the broader narrative of women breaking barriers in leadership roles.

The Sweetness of Victory

For all the context around coaching philosophies, personal sacrifice, and historical significance, the simplest reason why this win was so sweet lies in Caldwell’s unwavering belief in her team. In a year where growing pains could have been expected with a new system and a new coach, the Lady Vols have instead thrived, embodying the toughness and pace that Caldwell envisioned.

“This win was about trusting the work we’ve put in,” Caldwell said postgame. “The players bought in, and this is just the start.”

Indeed, Caldwell and her Lady Vols are not satisfied with a single tournament victory. The ultimate goal is to return to the Final Four and compete for national championships. But this win, under the bright lights of March Madness, served as a validation of all the sacrifices, late nights, and sweat equity invested over the course of a demanding season.

Looking Ahead

As the Lady Vols prepare for the second round of the NCAA Tournament, there is a palpable sense of momentum. The players are feeding off Caldwell’s energy, and the program feels as though it is turning a significant corner. While challenges surely remain, this victory has reinforced the belief that Tennessee is on the path back to being one of the nation’s elite programs.

For Caldwell, it’s about staying the course. “We’ve got to keep building,” she said. “This is one step, and now we take the next one.”