In a landmark achievement for women’s college basketball, Kim Caldwell, head coach of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, has been honored as the 2025 Naismith Coach of the Year.

In a landmark achievement for women’s college basketball, Kim Caldwell, head coach of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, has been honored as the 2025 Naismith Coach of the Year.

This prestigious accolade not only cements her status among the elite in collegiate basketball but also comes with a groundbreaking $2 million prize, underscoring her exceptional contributions to the sport.

 

Caldwell’s journey with the Lady Vols began in April 2024, when she was appointed head coach following a successful tenure at Marshall University. Her contract with Tennessee, signed on April 7, 2024, outlined an annual base salary of $750,000, with additional incentives for achievements such as conference championships and NCAA tournament success. Notably, the contract included a $20,000 bonus for being named Naismith National Coach of the Year.

 

In her inaugural season at Tennessee, Caldwell led the Lady Vols to a remarkable 32-3 record, clinching both the Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular-season and tournament titles. Her innovative coaching style, characterized by relentless defense and a fast-paced offense, revitalized the program and captivated fans nationwide. Under her leadership, the team secured their first national championship since 2008, marking a significant milestone in the program’s storied history.

 

The Naismith Coach of the Year Award, presented by the Atlanta Tipoff Club, is one of the most esteemed honors in college basketball, recognizing coaches who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and success. While the award traditionally includes a monetary component, the unprecedented $2 million prize awarded to Caldwell signifies a monumental step forward in acknowledging the value and impact of women’s sports.

 

This historic recognition not only celebrates Caldwell’s individual achievements but also highlights the evolving landscape of women’s athletics, where excellence is increasingly met with equitable recognition and reward. Caldwell’s success serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with vision, dedication, and innovation, transformative outcomes are attainable.

 

As the Lady Vols bask in the glory of their championship season, the future under Coach Caldwell’s guidance appears exceedingly bright. Her commitment to fostering talent and promoting a culture of excellence positions Tennessee as a continued powerhouse in women’s college basketball for years

to come.