‘We needed each other’: Kim Caldwell says goodbye to Lady Vols seniors

As the 2024-25 season came to a close for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, head coach Kim Caldwell took a moment to reflect on the journey she and her seniors had shared. In an emotional farewell, Caldwell expressed her gratitude for a senior class that helped her navigate her first season at the helm of one of the most storied programs in women’s college basketball. With a mix of personal challenges, program adjustments, and unforgettable moments, the season was a defining one for Caldwell and her players.

A Season of Transition and Growth

When Caldwell was named head coach of the Lady Vols, expectations were high. Stepping into a role once held by the legendary Pat Summitt came with an immense sense of responsibility. However, Caldwell was prepared, bringing her signature high-energy approach to the program. The Lady Vols finished the season with a 24-10 record, a testament to their resilience and ability to adapt under a new system.

For Caldwell, the transition was about more than just basketball. It was about building trust, instilling confidence, and fostering a culture of relentless effort and teamwork. The seniors played a critical role in setting the tone, ensuring the team stayed focused even through the challenges of a coaching change and the heightened expectations that come with wearing the orange and white.

An Emotional Senior Day Farewell

On March 2, 2025, the Lady Vols faced Georgia in their Senior Day game, falling in a heartbreaking 72-69 loss. While the defeat was disappointing, the true significance of the day was the recognition of the seniors who had given their all to the program. After the final buzzer, the team held its Senior Day ceremony, where Caldwell addressed her departing players with heartfelt words.

“I love them. I appreciate them. I’m thankful for them changing my life and being around them every single day,” Caldwell said. “We needed each other this year.”

The seniors, many of whom had been part of multiple coaching regimes, embraced Caldwell’s leadership and helped unify the team. Their presence provided stability as the Lady Vols worked through growing pains, new systems, and an evolving identity.

Personal Challenges and Team Resilience

Caldwell’s first season was uniquely demanding, not just professionally but personally. In January 2025, she gave birth to her son, Conor, during the height of the basketball season. Balancing new motherhood with the pressures of leading a high-profile program was no easy task, but Caldwell credits her team for helping her through it.

“It’s been a tough year,” she admitted. “It’s hard to have a baby in the middle of basketball season; I really don’t recommend it.”

Despite the demands of motherhood, Caldwell never wavered in her commitment to the Lady Vols. She briefly stepped away from coaching duties for a January 23 game against Texas but returned shortly thereafter, coaching against South Carolina just days later. Her ability to navigate these challenges only strengthened the bond between her and her players.

Seniors Who Left Their Mark

The senior class was integral to Tennessee’s success. Players such as Jordan Horston, Tamari Key, and Sara Puckett played pivotal roles in shaping the team’s identity. Their leadership, both on and off the court, helped the Lady Vols remain competitive in the SEC and beyond.

Horston, known for her versatility and defensive prowess, was a vocal leader who set the tone in both practices and games. Key, a dominant presence in the paint, anchored the defense and provided a consistent inside threat. Puckett, with her ability to stretch the floor, contributed clutch performances throughout the season.

Together, these seniors embodied the grit and determination that define Tennessee basketball. They were Caldwell’s bridge between past and future, ensuring the next generation of Lady Vols inherited a culture of accountability and excellence.

Historic Moments and Record-Breaking Feats

Despite the season ending short of a championship, the Lady Vols achieved several remarkable milestones. One of the most notable was their record-breaking three-point performance on December 14, 2024. That night, Tennessee set an NCAA record by making 30 three-pointers in a single game, going 30-for-63 from beyond the arc.

This performance was a reflection of Caldwell’s offensive philosophy, which emphasized pace and spacing. The Lady Vols became one of the most prolific perimeter shooting teams in the nation, a dramatic shift from their more traditional post-oriented approach in previous years.

“We want to play fast, we want to get good shots, and we want to be aggressive,” Caldwell explained. “That night, everything just clicked.”

Caldwell’s Philosophy and the Future of the Program

While saying goodbye to her seniors was bittersweet, Caldwell remains optimistic about the future. Her up-tempo system, defensive intensity, and commitment to player development have already made an impact, and with a strong recruiting class coming in, Tennessee is well-positioned for continued success.

“We’re building something special here,” Caldwell said. “We have a lot of work to do, but this program is about competing at the highest level. We’re going to keep pushing forward.”

With key returners and a talented incoming class, the Lady Vols will look to build on the foundation laid by the departing seniors. Caldwell’s ability to connect with her players and inspire belief in her vision will be crucial as the program strives for national contention.

A Lasting Legacy

As the seniors prepare for the next chapter of their lives—whether in professional basketball, coaching, or other careers—their impact on the Tennessee program will endure. Caldwell’s words on Senior Day captured the essence of their journey together.

“They gave me everything they had, and I’ll never forget that,” she said. “This program needed them, and I needed them.”

For Tennessee fans, the bond between Caldwell and her first group of seniors represents more than just basketball. It symbolizes resilience, change, and the unwavering spirit of Lady Vols basketball. As Caldwell continues to build upon the program’s storied legacy, she does so with the lessons and inspiration gained from the seniors who helped her navigate a season like no other.