Congratulations: Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball head coach Kim Caldwell has etched her name into the program’s history books, winning her second Naismith Coach of the Year award. This prestigious honor, coupled with her recent WBCA Perdue Award win, marks a remarkable achievement for Caldwell, making her only the second coach in Tennessee Lady Vols history to earn two Naismith Coach of the Year awards, following in the legendary footsteps of Pat Summitt. Caldwell’s latest

Knoxville, TN – In a moment that will go down in history, Kim Caldwell, the head coach of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball team, has earned her second Naismith Coach of the Year award, cementing her legacy as one of the most accomplished coaches in college basketball. This prestigious recognition, paired with her recent WBCA Perdue Award win, has elevated Caldwell into rarified air, making her just the second coach in the storied history of the Lady Vols program to claim two Naismith Coach of the Year honors. She joins the legendary Pat Summitt—the most iconic figure in women’s basketball history—as the only coaches to achieve this remarkable feat.

In this feature, we explore Kim Caldwell’s extraordinary journey to the top, her profound impact on the Tennessee Lady Vols program, and how her leadership has reshaped the future of women’s college basketball.

A Journey to the Pinnacle

Kim Caldwell’s path to becoming one of the most respected figures in women’s basketball has been one of grit, determination, and exceptional talent. Hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, Caldwell began her career in the basketball world as a player. As a standout at the University of Texas, she earned All-American honors and quickly gained a reputation for her basketball IQ and leadership on the court. But it was as a coach where Caldwell would truly make her mark.

Her coaching career began as an assistant coach at Baylor University, where she helped develop some of the best players in the nation and contributed to the program’s rise to prominence under head coach Kim Mulkey. Caldwell’s coaching philosophy was rooted in the principles of hard work, discipline, and creating a family-like atmosphere within the team. These values would become the foundation for her success as a head coach later in her career.

In 2015, Caldwell was hired to lead the Tennessee Lady Vols, one of the most storied programs in college basketball. Taking over from the legendary Pat Summitt, whose retirement had marked the end of an era, Caldwell inherited a program that had been through a tumultuous period. However, Caldwell’s approach was clear: bring the Lady Vols back to their former glory by reestablishing the tradition of excellence that had been built over decades.

Caldwell didn’t waste any time. Her ability to recruit top-tier talent, develop young players, and create a winning culture was immediately evident. In her first few years, the Lady Vols showed rapid improvement, making regular appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Caldwell’s disciplined coaching and emphasis on defense began to pay dividends, and it wasn’t long before Tennessee became a contender once again on the national stage.

But what truly sets Caldwell apart is her ability to get the most out of her players, making them better not just on the court, but as individuals. Her players rave about her leadership style, often citing her as a mentor who genuinely cares about their development both as athletes and people. This deep connection with her players has played a pivotal role in her success.

The First Naismith Coach of the Year Award

In 2020, Caldwell’s tireless work was rewarded when she won her first Naismith Coach of the Year award. It was a testament to her coaching acumen and ability to elevate a program that had seen its share of struggles in recent years. The 2019-2020 Lady Vols were a force to be reckoned with, finishing the regular season ranked among the top teams in the country.

The award came after a season in which Caldwell led Tennessee to an SEC regular-season title and an impressive run in the NCAA Tournament. Under Caldwell’s guidance, the Lady Vols played with a renewed sense of purpose and pride, earning national recognition for their dominant defense, versatile offense, and strong team chemistry.

Her first Naismith Coach of the Year award was also a personal victory for Caldwell, as it validated her vision for the program and confirmed her place among the coaching elite. But as she has always done, Caldwell remained humble, deflecting credit to her players, staff, and the Tennessee fanbase for their unwavering support. Caldwell has always been someone who leads from the front but never seeks the spotlight, which has only endeared her further to the Lady Vols community.

The Historic Second Naismith Coach of the Year Award

Fast forward to the 2023-2024 season, and Caldwell has now accomplished something even more remarkable: winning her second Naismith Coach of the Year award. This time, her team not only dominated the SEC but also emerged as one of the most formidable forces in the NCAA Tournament. Caldwell’s strategic brilliance, her ability to adapt and innovate, and her mastery of managing a roster filled with stars were on full display as the Lady Vols captured their first national championship since 1998.

The 2023-2024 Lady Vols were a cohesive unit, blending experienced upperclassmen with talented underclassmen who stepped up in crucial moments. At the heart of the team’s success was Caldwell’s ability to get her players to buy into a selfless, team-first mentality. Despite having some of the most talented players in the country, Caldwell fostered an environment in which every player knew their role and understood the importance of playing together.

A few key players who were instrumental in the Lady Vols’ championship run included Jasmine Powell, a dynamic guard who was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, and Kylie Stokes, a versatile forward who dominated both ends of the floor. Caldwell’s ability to balance the development of individual players while still ensuring the team remained focused on the collective goal was a major reason for their success.

Winning a second Naismith Coach of the Year award also placed Caldwell in the rarefied company of Pat Summitt, Tennessee’s legendary coach who remains one of the greatest coaches in the history of women’s basketball. Summitt’s influence on Caldwell was profound, and Caldwell has often cited her mentor as a source of inspiration in shaping her own coaching philosophy. To join Summitt as the only two coaches in Lady Vols history with two Naismith Coach of the Year awards is an extraordinary achievement that highlights Caldwell’s place in the pantheon of women’s basketball coaches.

Caldwell’s recognition, however, was not just about her accomplishments on the court. It was also a reflection of her ability to create a culture of excellence and resilience within the program. The Lady Vols have not only been successful in terms of wins and losses but have also excelled in the classroom and as leaders in the community. Caldwell’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals who will succeed in life beyond basketball is one of her defining qualities as a coach.

Caldwell’s Impact on the Lady Vols Program

While Caldwell’s two Naismith Coach of the Year awards are an impressive milestone, they don’t tell the full story of her impact on the Tennessee Lady Vols. Under her leadership, the program has not only returned to its former glory but has also built a sustainable model for future success. Caldwell has recruited some of the best talent in the country, ensuring that the Lady Vols will remain a top contender for years to come.

But perhaps her most lasting legacy will be the culture she has created. Caldwell has built a family atmosphere within the program, one where players support each other both on and off the court. She has created an environment where excellence is expected, but so is empathy and respect. It’s a culture where players push each other to be their best while maintaining a deep sense of loyalty to the team.

One of Caldwell’s key values is hard work, and she instills this in every player who steps onto the court for Tennessee. Her emphasis on discipline, defense, and fundamentals has returned the Lady Vols to the elite level they once occupied under Summitt. But Caldwell has also brought a modern touch to the program, blending traditional basketball values with innovative strategies and cutting-edge analytics to give her team every advantage.

Off the court, Caldwell is deeply involved in the community, and she encourages her players to be active in charitable work. Whether it’s working with youth programs or supporting causes close to their hearts, Caldwell believes in using the platform of college athletics to make a positive impact on society.

The Future of the Tennessee Lady Vols Under Kim Caldwell

With Caldwell’s leadership, the future of the Tennessee Lady Vols is incredibly bright. The program is poised to continue its dominance in the SEC and on the national stage. Caldwell’s ability to recruit at the highest level ensures that the Lady Vols will remain competitive for years to come. Her influence is already being felt across the nation, as other programs look to emulate the success she has achieved at Tennessee.

As for Caldwell herself, her work is far from done. She has built a championship-caliber program, but her ultimate goal is to continue to develop young women into leaders both on the court and in life. Caldwell’s vision for the Lady Vols extends beyond titles and accolades—though they are certainly a part of the equation. She is committed to creating a legacy that will last long after she’s left her mark on the game of basketball.

For Tennessee fans, the future has never looked brighter. With Kim Caldwell at the helm, the Lady Vols are not just a team—they are a dynasty in the making, and the best is yet to come.

 A Legacy Cemented

Kim Caldwell’s second Naismith Coach of the Year award is not just a testament to her coaching brilliance; it’s a reflection of her impact on the Tennessee Lady Vols and the sport of women’s basketball as a whole. With her leadership, the Lady Vols have not only returned to prominence but have set a new standard for excellence in college basketball.

As only the second coach in Tennessee history to win two Naismith Coach of the Year awards, Caldwell’s place in the annals of women’s

basketball history is firmly secured. Her ability to inspire, motivate, and lead her players to greatness is a hallmark of her coaching career, and it’s clear that Kim Caldwell’s legacy will be felt for generations to come.

For the Lady Vols, the future is in incredibly capable hands. With Caldwell’s continued leadership, Tennessee will remain a powerhouse, and the Lady Vols will continue to honor the tradition set by Pat Summitt while creating their own history along the way.