Tennessee Lady Vols Coach Kim Caldwell Makes History with Second Naismith Coach of the Year Award
Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball head coach Kim Caldwell has etched her name into the program’s history books, winning her second Naismith Coach of the Year award. This prestigious honor, coupled with her recent WBCA Perdue Award win, marks a remarkable achievement for Caldwell, making her only the second coach in Tennessee Lady Vols history to earn two Naismith Coach of the Year awards, following in the legendary footsteps of Pat Summitt. Caldwell’s latest accolade is a testament to her exceptional coaching abilities and the Lady Vols’ outstanding performance throughout the 2024 season. Her leadership has transformed the team. This success builds upon a consistent pattern of excellence under Caldwell’s tenure, further cementing her legacy as one of the top coaches in women’s college basketball.
This is Caldwell’s second Naismith award, a feat previously accomplished only by the legendary Pat Summitt. The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated, as it places Caldwell among the elite ranks of women’s college basketball coaches. Her consistent success and ability to cultivate winning teams have garnered her widespread recognition and respect within the coaching community.
Caldwell’s coaching accolades extend beyond the Naismith award. She’s a five-time conference coach of the year, a testament to her consistent ability to lead her teams to success within their respective conferences. Her impressive resume also includes the 2024 Spalding Maggie Dixon NCAA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year award, recognizing her exceptional achievements in her first season as a head coach at the Division I level, and the 2022 NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year award, further highlighting her consistent ability to lead teams to championship-caliber performances.
Beyond her impressive list of awards, Harper’s impact on the Lady Vols program extends to the development of her players both on and off the court. She fosters a culture of excellence, emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and personal growth. Her players consistently praise her leadership and dedication, highlighting her ability to create a supportive and challenging environment that allows them to reach their full potential.
The Lady Vols face a challenging upcoming game a matchup that will undoubtedly test Caldwell’s strategic prowess and the team’s resilience. However, given Caldwell’s track record of success and her players’ unwavering dedication, the Lady Vols are well-positioned to continue their strong performance. Caldwell’s recent awards serve as a powerful reminder of her exceptional coaching abilities and the bright future ahead for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball program. The entire university community celebrates this historic achievement, recognizing Caldwell’s contributions to the legacy of Lady Vols basketball.
