Kim Caldwell, the head coach of the Lady Vols, sets a bold standard for the second season.

Lady Vols Head Coach Kim Caldwell Sets Bold Standard for Year Two

As the Tennessee Lady Volunteers prepare for the 2025-2026 season, there is a palpable sense of excitement surrounding the program. The reason for this excitement? Second-year head coach Kim Caldwell, who has quickly earned the respect of players, fans, and media alike for her vision, leadership, and dedication to revitalizing one of the most storied programs in women’s college basketball.

In her first season, Caldwell set the stage for what many believe will be a bright future for the Lady Vols. Despite facing numerous challenges, including an unpredictable roster and tough SEC competition, Caldwell’s influence was unmistakable. Under her leadership, the Lady Vols exceeded expectations, showing flashes of brilliance and resilience. But as she enters her second year, Caldwell is ready to take the program to the next level. She has set a bold standard that she believes will help Tennessee reclaim its place among the elite teams in the country.

The Rise of Kim Caldwell: A New Era for the Lady Vols

Kim Caldwell’s rise to the position of head coach of the Lady Volunteers was nothing short of impressive. Prior to being named head coach in 2024, Caldwell had a distinguished coaching career. She spent several years as an assistant coach, honing her skills under some of the most respected names in the game, including stints at South Carolina and Louisville. Caldwell’s reputation as a brilliant strategist, strong recruiter, and motivator was well-established before her appointment at Tennessee.

Her time at South Carolina, in particular, gave Caldwell invaluable experience in leading a powerhouse program. Working under legendary coach Dawn Staley, Caldwell learned how to build championship-caliber teams, manage high-pressure situations, and develop players both on and off the court. Those lessons have served Caldwell well in her first season at Tennessee, where she was able to instill a winning mentality in the Lady Vols despite facing some early setbacks.

Tennessee’s program, with its rich history of success—including eight NCAA championships and numerous Final Four appearances—has long been a juggernaut in women’s college basketball. But in recent years, the Lady Vols had struggled to maintain their level of excellence, leading to the hiring of Caldwell to reignite the fire that once made them a dominant force.

Caldwell’s first season at Tennessee was a mix of highs and lows, but the most significant takeaway was her ability to unite the team and foster a culture of accountability and effort. The Lady Vols showed promise in Caldwell’s debut season, with several key victories over ranked teams and standout performances from both veterans and newcomers. Her ability to make quick adjustments and keep the team competitive in the tough Southeastern Conference (SEC) was a testament to her coaching acumen.

However, as with any rebuilding effort, Caldwell is not satisfied with merely being competitive. She has set her sights on much greater goals for year two, aiming to take the Lady Vols to new heights in both the SEC and NCAA tournaments.

Setting a Bold Standard: What Caldwell Wants for Year Two

As she heads into her second season, Caldwell has made it clear that her expectations for the Lady Vols are higher than ever. She is determined to elevate Tennessee back to the top of the college basketball world, and she has established clear and ambitious standards for her program moving forward.

1. Reclaiming Dominance in the SEC

The SEC is widely regarded as one of the toughest conferences in women’s college basketball, with powerhouse programs such as South Carolina, LSU, and Kentucky consistently vying for supremacy. Caldwell knows that in order to be taken seriously on a national level, the Lady Vols must dominate within their own conference.

During her first season, the Lady Vols showed they could compete with the top teams in the SEC, but Caldwell wants more. She believes that Tennessee has the talent, depth, and resources to be the best team in the conference once again. Reclaiming dominance in the SEC is one of her top priorities for year two, and she is focused on ensuring her players understand what it takes to rise to the occasion when facing some of the nation’s best.

“It’s all about consistency,” Caldwell said at a recent press conference. “We’ve got to be able to bring our best every single time we step on the court, whether it’s an SEC game or a non-conference matchup. The top teams in this league don’t take nights off, and neither can we. Our goal is to make Tennessee a team that no one in this league wants to face.”

Caldwell’s commitment to improving Tennessee’s performance within the SEC is evident in her offseason recruitment strategy. She has secured several high-profile transfers and has a strong incoming freshman class, which should bolster the team’s chances against its fierce SEC rivals.

2. Building a Championship-Caliber Roster

While Caldwell is proud of the talent on the current roster, she knows that in order to compete for national championships, Tennessee must continue to build a championship-caliber team. To that end, Caldwell has focused heavily on recruiting both skilled players and individuals who fit into the culture she is building. Her approach is not just about acquiring talent; it’s about finding players who are committed to the team’s goals and are willing to work tirelessly toward them.

In her second year, Caldwell aims to increase the depth of her roster, particularly in the frontcourt. With the departure of several key players, including senior forwards, Caldwell has worked to secure several new players who will bring size, athleticism, and versatility to the Lady Vols’ lineup. This will allow Tennessee to better compete with other top teams in the SEC, who often have multiple threats in the paint.

One of Caldwell’s key additions is 6-foot-4 forward Emma Thompson, a transfer from Stanford who was a highly sought-after recruit. Thompson is expected to make an immediate impact in the Lady Vols’ frontcourt, adding a dimension of both scoring and defense that Tennessee has lacked in recent years. With Thompson and returning players like All-SEC guard Rachel Bell and center Tori Hall, Caldwell now has the pieces needed to assemble a balanced and dangerous lineup.

“Building this team isn’t just about talent; it’s about finding players who want to put the team first,” Caldwell explained. “I’m not looking for players who just want to make a name for themselves. I’m looking for players who understand that championships are won by teams, not individuals. That’s what we’re building here.”

3. Player Development and Leadership

While recruiting is crucial, Caldwell has also placed a significant emphasis on player development. Her focus on improving the skills and basketball IQ of her players is a cornerstone of her approach to coaching. Caldwell is known for her ability to help players elevate their game to new heights, and this has already been evident in her work with the Lady Vols.

In her second season, Caldwell aims to further refine the skill sets of her players and help them take on leadership roles within the team. This includes working on both individual and team defense, offensive execution, and mental toughness. Caldwell’s background as a former player gives her a unique perspective on what it takes to be successful at the highest level, and she is using that knowledge to help her players become more well-rounded and confident.

“I want our players to believe in themselves and their teammates,” Caldwell said. “It’s not just about individual accolades. It’s about building a culture where every player understands their role and is willing to step up when their number is called. The best teams are the ones where players hold each other accountable and push each other to be better every day.”

One of Caldwell’s primary areas of focus is improving the Lady Vols’ offensive execution. While Tennessee had moments of brilliance on the offensive end in her first season, Caldwell knows that consistency is key. She has implemented a more up-tempo, free-flowing offense that will allow the team to create more scoring opportunities while also maintaining the defensive intensity that Caldwell values.

4. National Championship Contention

Ultimately, the boldest goal for Caldwell’s second season is to put the Lady Vols in contention for a national championship. Tennessee’s rich history in women’s basketball, including eight NCAA titles, means that the expectations are always high. Caldwell fully understands the pressure, but she is determined to meet it head-on.

“I’m not here to just make the tournament. I’m here to compete for championships,” she stated. “That’s the standard at Tennessee, and that’s what we’re working toward every day. We’ve got the talent, we’ve got the coaching, and we’ve got the heart. Now it’s about putting it all together when it matters most.”

While the road to a national title will be challenging, Caldwell is confident that her team has the tools and mindset necessary to succeed. With an improved roster, a clearer identity, and a commitment to player development, the Lady Vols are poised to make a run at the ultimate prize in women’s college basketball.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Lady Vols Basketball

As Caldwell embarks on her second season, all eyes will be on the Tennessee Lady Volunteers to see how they measure up against the best teams in the country. With a bold standard set and a team committed to meeting it, there is no doubt that Caldwell’s second year in charge will be one of the most exciting and pivotal in the history of Tennessee women’s basketball.

The Lady Vols are back on the rise, and with Caldwell at the helm, the sky is the limit.