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“It’s a New Era for Tennessee”: Kim Caldwell Leading Lady Vols with Historic Changes and Record-Breaking Performances
In April 2024, Kim Caldwell was appointed as the head coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers women’s basketball team, succeeding Kellie Harper. Her hiring marked a historic shift, as she became the first non-Tennessee alum to lead the program since the legendary Pat Summitt.
Caldwell arrived in Knoxville with an impressive coaching résumé. Before joining Tennessee, she was the head coach at Marshall University, where she led the Thundering Herd to their first NCAA Division I tournament appearance since 1997. Her achievements at Marshall earned her the Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year award and the prestigious Maggie Dixon Award as the nation’s top Division I rookie head coach in 2024.
Prior to her time at Marshall, Caldwell spent seven seasons at Glenville State University, where she established herself as one of the brightest coaching minds in women’s college basketball. She guided the program to six regular-season conference championships, four conference tournament titles, six NCAA Division II Tournament appearances, and a 2022 NCAA Division II National Championship.
Since taking the helm at Tennessee, Caldwell has already left a mark on the program. On December 14, 2024, her Lady Vols team made history by sinking 30 three-pointers in a single game, setting an NCAA record in a dominant 139–59 win over North Carolina Central.
In addition to her professional milestones, Caldwell has balanced personal milestones as well. In September 2024, she announced her pregnancy, and on January 20, 2025, she gave birth to her son, Conor Scott Caldwell. Remarkably, she returned to the sidelines shortly after, continuing to guide Tennessee through its SEC schedule.
Caldwell’s arrival signals a new chapter for the Lady Vols, blending tradition with fresh leadership and a fast-paced, high-scoring style of play. As Tennessee aims to reclaim national prominence, all eyes are on Caldwell and the direction she will take this storied program.
