The Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball program is celebrating two significant milestones that underscore its rich legacy and promising future.
Head Coach Kim Caldwell has been named to the Werner Ladder Naismith Women’s College Coach of the Year Watch List, while legendary alumna Chamique Holdsclaw is set to be inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
Kim Caldwell’s Recognition
In her inaugural season at the helm, Coach Kim Caldwell has led the Lady Vols to a commendable 19-6 overall record, including a 6-6 mark in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play.
Under her guidance, the team achieved a season-best national ranking of No. 15/13, a notable ascent from starting the year unranked.
The Lady Vols have secured impressive victories over top-tier opponents, including No. 5 UConn and No. 17 Iowa. Their six losses have been narrow, with a combined margin of just 20 points, five of which were against top-10 teams.
This performance has earned Caldwell a spot among the esteemed candidates for the 2025 Werner Ladder Naismith Women’s College Coach of the Year Award. She is one of six SEC coaches recognized on this prestigious list.
Beyond her on-court achievements, Caldwell has demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication.
She recently gave birth to her first child and, exemplifying her commitment, returned to coaching just one week postpartum to lead her team against reigning champions South Carolina.
This swift return sparked discussions on postpartum recovery and maternal health, highlighting the challenges faced by working mothers in high-demand professions.
Chamique Holdsclaw’s Induction
Chamique Holdsclaw, one of the most decorated athletes in Lady Vols history, is being honored with induction into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
Holdsclaw’s illustrious collegiate career includes leading Tennessee to three consecutive NCAA National Championships from 1996 to 1998.
She remains the program’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder, with 3,025 points and 1,295 rebounds, records that stand unmatched in both men’s and women’s basketball at Tennessee.
Her professional career was equally distinguished. Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 WNBA Draft by the Washington Mystics, Holdsclaw earned Rookie of the Year honors and was a six-time WNBA All-Star.
She also led the league in scoring in 2002 and topped the rebounding charts in 2002 and 2003. Internationally, she contributed to Team USA’s gold medal victory at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Holdsclaw’s induction into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is a testament to her enduring impact on the sport and her significant contributions to the Lady Vols’ storied tradition.
A Legacy of Excellence
These dual honors reflect the sustained excellence of the Lady Vols basketball program.
Coach Caldwell’s immediate impact in her first season signifies a bright future, while Holdsclaw’s recognition celebrates a legacy of unparalleled achievement.
Together, they embody the spirit of determination, resilience, and excellence that defines Tennessee basketball.
As the Lady Vols continue their season, the program stands as a beacon of pride and inspiration, honoring its storied past while ambitiously striving toward future successes.
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