Kim Caldwell introduced as next head coach to lead Lady Vols basketball

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WCYB) — For a program that holds itself in one of the highest regards in the history of the NCAA, there are always questions that swirl when changes are to be made.

On Tuesday afternoon in Knoxville, some of those questions may have been answered with the introduction of the next head coach of Lady Vols basketball - Kim Caldwell.

Caldwell took the podium Tuesday after being introduced by Director of Athletics, Danny White, marking the next chapter in Lady Vols history.

Before Caldwell made any remarks, White took time to detail the importance that went into finding their next head coach for a program looking to get back to the top of the college basketball world - noting that the university worked fast and casted a wide net to bring in the best possible person.

"As a University, we're good but want to be great. Sometimes the enemy of great can be good. And as a women's basketball program, we want to get back to competing for Southeastern Conference and National Championships," said White. "We wanted someone who wasn't afraid of the challenge to restore this legendary program to where we all want it to be."

White added that the goal was to bring in someone who had "enormous upside in trajectory" that brings a different style of play and a strong competitiveness - pointing to upholding the future of the program and not just a one year deal.

When Caldwell took the podium, she exuded her gratefulness to be the next in line to lead the historic program.

"What an incredible honor it is to be head coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols," said Caldwell. "I know I haven't been here long, and I know I have a lot of history to catch up on."

Along with that, Caldwell made great appreciation to the people she knew at both Marshall University and Glenville State, where she got her start at the Division II level.

Following the departure of former head coach, Kellie Harper last week, Caldwell was named the next head coach on Sunday after an impressive season at Marshall.

Caldwell spent just one year leading the Thundering Herd to a 26-7 record and a Sun Belt Conference championship. In her one season, she was named the Sun Belt Coach of the Year and the Spalding Maggie Dixon NCAA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year.

Prior to that, she led Glenville State for eight seasons, compiling a record of 217-31 and a trip to the 2021-22 NCAA Division II National Championship.

Now, Caldwell understands the space she is in and the legacy that needs to be upheld in Knoxville.

The part of history that I need no catching up on is Pat Summit's legacy and how powerful the Lady Vols family is," said Caldwell. "I can't wait to connect with our former players and hear their stories and their history. I will never be Pat Summit. Nobody can, but I will strive everyday to be somebody she'd be proud of.