As of today, February 24, 2025, we celebrate the 37th birthday of Kim Caldwell, the esteemed head coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball team. Born on February 24, 1988, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, Caldwell has demonstrated exceptional dedication and resilience throughout her career, both on and off the court.
Caldwell’s journey in basketball began as a player at Glenville State University, where she played from 2007 to 2011. Her leadership and skills on the court were evident, and she transitioned into coaching shortly after her playing career. She served as an assistant coach at Ohio Valley University and Sacramento State before returning to her alma mater as the head coach in 2016. During her seven-year tenure at Glenville State, Caldwell led the team to six regular-season conference championships, four conference tournament championships, and an impressive NCAA Division II National Championship in 2022. Her remarkable success earned her the Pat Summitt Trophy as the WBCA NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year in 2022.
In 2023, Caldwell accepted the head coaching position at Marshall University. In her inaugural season, she guided the Thundering Herd to a 26-7 overall record, clinching both the Sun Belt Conference regular-season and tournament titles. This achievement led to the program’s first NCAA Division I Tournament appearance since 1997. Her outstanding performance was recognized with the Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year award and the prestigious Maggie Dixon Award, honoring the top first-year head coach in Division I women’s basketball in 2024.
Caldwell’s success at Marshall caught the attention of the University of Tennessee, and in April 2024, she was appointed as the head coach of the Lady Volunteers. This role marked a significant milestone, as she became the first individual without prior ties to the university to lead the storied program since the legendary Pat Summitt. Under her leadership, the Lady Vols have shown remarkable progress, maintaining a strong presence in the AP Poll and demonstrating resilience against top-ranked opponents.
Beyond her professional achievements, Caldwell has embraced significant personal milestones. In May 2023, she married Justin Caldwell, who serves as the player development coordinator for the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team. The couple announced in September 2024 that they were expecting their first child. On January 20, 2025, they welcomed their son, Conor Scott Caldwell, into the world. Demonstrating her unwavering commitment, Caldwell returned to her coaching duties just a week after giving birth, leading her team with the same passion and dedication that have defined her career.
As we honor Kim Caldwell on her 37th birthday, we recognize not only her professional accomplishments but also her resilience, leadership, and the positive impact she continues to have on her players and the broader basketball community.
