Coach, A Mother, A Fighter: Kim Caldwell’s Unstoppable Journey Back to the Sideline!
Kim Caldwell, the head coach of the 17th-ranked Tennessee Lady Vols, is set to return to the court just one week after giving birth to her first child, a healthy baby boy named Conor Scott. Caldwell will lead her team against the defending national champions, the South Carolina Gamecocks, in a highly anticipated matchup on Monday night. Her swift return to coaching underscores her dedication to both her team and her new role as a mother.
Caldwell gave birth to Conor on Monday while battling the flu, which added an extra layer of challenge to an already demanding situation. Her absence was felt during the Lady Vols’ recent 80-76 loss to No. 7 Texas on Thursday night, where assistant coach Jenna Burdette stepped in to fill her role. Caldwell expressed her frustration at being unable to coach during that game, describing it as a “helpless feeling,” though she praised Burdette for her excellent performance in her stead.
Despite the physical and emotional toll of childbirth and illness, Caldwell was back at practice by Friday, determined to prepare her team for their upcoming game. She has been focusing on staying hydrated and healthy, as the flu has been circulating among the Lady Vols. This has also led to the decision to keep her newborn son away from the team for the time being, despite the players’ eagerness to meet him. “We have a lot of germs,” Caldwell explained, prioritizing her son’s health.
When asked about her son’s birth details, Caldwell shared that Conor was born at a size reminiscent of her late father, but she humorously noted, “He can grow on the outside,” expressing relief that he was born healthy and small.
The Lady Vols, currently holding a 15-4 record (3-4 in the Southeastern Conference), have faced tough competition this season, with their four losses coming by a combined total of just eight points. Three of those losses were against teams ranked in the Top 10. Monday night’s game against No. 2 South Carolina (19-1, 6-1) presents another opportunity for the Lady Vols to prove their mettle and avoid their first three-game losing streak of the season.
Caldwell’s return to coaching so soon after giving birth highlights her resilience and commitment to her team. She credits her strong support system, including her husband, who won the honor of naming their son, and her mother, who is currently in Knoxville to help with the baby. Caldwell’s sister is also expected to join them soon. “It would be a completely different story if that weren’t the case,” Caldwell acknowledged, emphasizing the importance of having a reliable network of support.
As a first-year head coach, Caldwell has been working tirelessly to address her team’s recurring issues, particularly fouls, which have been a point of emphasis in recent practices. Despite these challenges, the Lady Vols have been a dominant offensive force this season, leading the nation with an average of 93.4 points per game. They also lead in three-pointers made, averaging 11.5 per game and hitting 10 or more threes in 13 games this season—more than double the previous school record of six. Their performance against Texas, where they made 9 of 17 three-point attempts, showcased their shooting prowess.
Balancing the demands of coaching with the responsibilities of motherhood will be a new challenge for Caldwell. She has already sought advice from Rick Barnes, the men’s basketball coach at Tennessee and her husband’s boss, who has experience juggling coaching and parenthood. Barnes, a father of two and grandfather of five, shared his perspective, reminding Caldwell that while coaching is a significant part of her life, it doesn’t define her entirely. “This is what we do,” Barnes said. “It can’t be who you are.”
As Caldwell steps back onto the sideline, she embodies the strength and determination of a leader who is navigating both professional and personal milestones. Her ability to balance these roles will undoubtedly inspire her team and fans alike as the Lady Vols continue their pursuit of success in a competitive season.
