Kim Caldwell, head coach of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball team, has been named the 2025 Naismith Coach of the Year. This prestigious honor places her alongside the legendary Pat Summitt as one of the few coaches in the program’s history to receive this award.
Caldwell’s journey to this accolade is marked by a series of remarkable achievements. Hired in April 2024, she was tasked with revitalizing the storied Lady Vols program. Prior to her tenure at Tennessee, Caldwell led Marshall University to a 26-7 record and an NCAA Tournament berth, earning her the 2024 Maggie Dixon NCAA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year award. Her overall coaching record stands at an impressive 236-37 (.864), reflecting her consistent success over nine seasons.
In her inaugural season with Tennessee, Caldwell implemented an up-tempo, high-pressure style of play that quickly yielded results. The Lady Vols achieved a 19-6 overall record and a 6-6 mark in SEC play, climbing to a season-best No. 15/13 in national rankings after beginning the year unranked. Notable victories included wins over No. 5 UConn and No. 17 Iowa.
Caldwell’s coaching philosophy emphasizes relentless defense and a fast-paced offense, strategies that have resonated with both players and fans. Under her guidance, Tennessee has become a leader in scoring offense, three-pointers made per game, offensive rebounds, steals, and turnovers forced. This exciting style of play has also boosted attendance, with the team averaging 10,547 fans per game at home, the highest since the 2013-14 season.
Beyond her on-court strategies, Caldwell’s leadership has fostered a culture of resilience and excellence within the team. Her commitment to player development and her ability to inspire have been instrumental in the Lady Vols’ resurgence. Her recognition as the 2025 Naismith Coach of the Year is a testament to her transformative impact on the program and her dedication to upholding the rich legacy of Tennessee women’s basketball.
As Caldwell continues to lead the Lady Vols, the future appears bright for Tennessee women’s basketball. Her innovative approach and unwavering commitment to excellence suggest that the program is well on its way back to national prominence. Fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate the continued success and growth of the team under her guidance.
Kim Caldwell, head coach of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball team, has been named the 2025 Naismith Coach of the Year. This prestigious honor places her alongside the legendary Pat Summitt as one of the few coaches in the program’s history to receive this award.
Caldwell’s journey to this accolade is marked by a series of remarkable achievements. Hired in April 2024, she was tasked with revitalizing the storied Lady Vols program. Prior to her tenure at Tennessee, Caldwell led Marshall University to a 26-7 record and an NCAA Tournament berth, earning her the 2024 Maggie Dixon NCAA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year award. Her overall coaching record stands at an impressive 236-37 (.864), reflecting her consistent success over nine seasons.
In her inaugural season with Tennessee, Caldwell implemented an up-tempo, high-pressure style of play that quickly yielded results. The Lady Vols achieved a 19-6 overall record and a 6-6 mark in SEC play, climbing to a season-best No. 15/13 in national rankings after beginning the year unranked. Notable victories included wins over No. 5 UConn and No. 17 Iowa.
Caldwell’s coaching philosophy emphasizes relentless defense and a fast-paced offense, strategies that have resonated with both players and fans. Under her guidance, Tennessee has become a leader in scoring offense, three-pointers made per game, offensive rebounds, steals, and turnovers forced. This exciting style of play has also boosted attendance, with the team averaging 10,547 fans per game at home, the highest since the 2013-14 season.
Beyond her on-court strategies, Caldwell’s leadership has fostered a culture of resilience and excellence within the team. Her commitment to player development and her ability to inspire have been instrumental in the Lady Vols’ resurgence. Her recognition as the 2025 Naismith Coach of the Year is a testament to her transformative impact on the program and her dedication to upholding the rich legacy of Tennessee women’s basketball.
As Caldwell continues to lead the Lady Vols, the future appears bright for Tennessee women’s basketball. Her innovative approach and unwavering commitment to excellence suggest that the program is well on its way back to national prominence. Fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate the continued success and growth of the team under her guidance.
