KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee’s head coach, Kim Caldwell, made an impressive return to the sidelines just a week after welcoming her son into the world, earning a warm standing ovation from a crowd of 12,033 on Monday night. Caldwell’s brief absence from the Lady Vols came after they faced an 80-76 defeat against then-No. 7 Texas, a game she missed due to her recent childbirth.
As she approached the sidelines before the game, Caldwell moved quickly, greeting the audience with a wave and exchanging pleasantries with South Carolina coach Dawn Staley. After witnessing her team’s 70-63 setback to the second-ranked Gamecocks, Caldwell expressed her gratitude for the reaction she received. “I tried to sneak in,” she remarked, highlighting her desire to blend in amidst the excitement. “(The ovation) makes it worth it, coming back.”
Staley acknowledged Caldwell’s commitment and bravery during this challenging time, stating, “Women have the strength of 10 men,” emphasizing the resilience often displayed by women, especially in balancing personal and professional responsibilities. Caldwell, who aimed to break a three-game losing streak for the Lady Vols (15-5, 3-5 Southeastern Conference), rejoined her team in practice on the preceding Friday.
At 36 years old and in her first season as head coach, Caldwell admitted to facing some postpartum challenges. “It was hard for me to yell,” she explained, attributing support from players and staff who helped fill in the gaps during her coaching efforts. “I’ll know how I handled it once I get in my car and head home.”
Her passion for her team remained unwavering throughout her recovery. “I love my team,” Caldwell stated candidly. “I ask a lot of them. I made sure I would give my best to them.” Senior player Samara Spencer echoed this sentiment, noting the sacrifices required in their pursuit of excellence: “We have to be willing to give up everything, but having a baby is very, very hard.” Caldwell nodded in agreement, sharing a laugh over the challenges they face.
Reflecting on her return to the court, Caldwell noted that once the game started, adrenaline took over. She remarked, “Out there on the floor, the adrenaline kicked in. I’ll find out how bad it really is when I finally settle down.” The coach showed remarkable determination to balance her new role as a mother with her responsibilities in leading the Lady Vols.
