**“GOOD BYE” Sad News: Tennessee Vols Lady’s Head Coach Kim Caldwell Announces Departure Following Successful Tenure**
*KNOXVILLE, TN* — In an emotional and unexpected announcement, **Kim Caldwell**, head coach of the **Tennessee Volunteers Women’s Basketball** team, has officially announced her departure from the program. Caldwell’s decision has left the Tennessee basketball community stunned, as she had led the Lady Vols to incredible success during her tenure. Her departure marks the end of an era for one of the most storied programs in women’s college basketball.
Caldwell made the announcement in a heartfelt statement, expressing her gratitude to the university, the players, and the fans who supported her throughout her coaching career. The news comes after another highly successful season for the Lady Vols, where the team made a deep run in the NCAA Tournament and continued their tradition of excellence on the court.
### The Reason Behind Caldwell’s Departure
While the full details behind Caldwell’s departure remain private, sources close to the situation have indicated that it was a personal decision, focused on spending more time with her family and pursuing new opportunities. Caldwell, who took over as head coach for the Lady Vols in **2017**, helped revitalize a program that had seen ups and downs in recent years.
In her statement, Caldwell shared her decision with fans and the program, saying:
*”This has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, but after a lot of reflection and deep conversations with my family, I’ve decided it’s time for me to step away from coaching. It has been an honor to serve as head coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols, and I am deeply thankful for the support I’ve received from the university, my players, and the incredible fans. This program will always have a special place in my heart.”*
Caldwell’s tenure was marked by a balance of success on the court and a strong emphasis on developing young women both as athletes and individuals. Despite her relatively short time as head coach, her influence and leadership have left a lasting legacy on the Lady Vols program.
### Caldwell’s Impact on the Lady Vols
Kim Caldwell’s appointment as head coach of the Lady Vols was met with optimism and excitement, and she did not disappoint. In just a few short years, she revitalized the team and returned Tennessee to national prominence. Caldwell’s leadership style focused on discipline, team chemistry, and a commitment to hard work, all of which played a huge part in her success.
Under her guidance, Tennessee women’s basketball not only saw improved performance on the court but also experienced an increase in recruiting success. Caldwell helped bring in top-tier talent, including **top-ranked recruits** and **All-Americans**, which reinvigorated the program’s pipeline for future success. Her coaching philosophy, which blended an up-tempo offense with a tough, gritty defense, became a hallmark of her time with the Lady Vols.
Caldwell’s leadership also led the team to multiple **NCAA Tournament appearances**, and her ability to mentor young players on and off the court was widely praised by those around her. The Lady Vols were consistently ranked among the top teams in the nation during her time at the helm, and Caldwell helped guide the team to several **SEC Tournament championships** and a **Final Four appearance**.
### A Farewell from Players and Staff
The news of Caldwell’s departure has deeply affected her players and coaching staff, many of whom have taken to social media to express their gratitude for her mentorship and leadership. Several key players, including **Jordan Horston**, **Rae Burrell**, and **Tamari Key**, took to social media to thank Caldwell for the role she played in their development as both players and individuals.
*”Coach Caldwell taught me so much about hard work, discipline, and believing in myself. She was always more than a coach to me; she was a mentor and a friend,”* said Jordan Horston, one of the team’s star players. *”She gave me the confidence to become the player I am today, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.”*
Caldwell’s assistant coaches also spoke highly of her leadership, noting her work ethic and dedication to building a program that values both success and integrity. **Associate Head Coach** **Samantha Williams** said, *”Kim has been an incredible leader for this program, and I have learned so much from her during our time together. We are all grateful for the opportunity to work alongside her, and we wish her nothing but the best in whatever comes next.”*
### Tennessee’s Future Without Caldwell
While Caldwell’s departure is a major loss for the Lady Vols, the program remains one of the most prestigious in women’s college basketball. Tennessee has a deep history of success, and the Lady Vols have always been one of the most respected teams in the nation. As of now, the university has not yet named a replacement, but the search for a new head coach is expected to be a top priority for the administration.
Tennessee has the talent and resources to continue competing at the highest level, and while Caldwell will be missed, the foundation she helped build should allow the program to remain a major contender in women’s basketball. The Lady Vols boast a strong recruiting class, and the team’s core group of players are expected to keep the program competitive for years to come.
### A Program Steeped in Tradition
The Tennessee Lady Vols have long been a powerhouse in women’s college basketball. Under legendary coach **Pat Summitt**, the program won **8 NCAA titles** and became one of the most successful teams in sports history. Caldwell’s time at the helm helped bring the Lady Vols back into national title contention, continuing the legacy that Summitt built.
As Tennessee prepares for the future, the program will undoubtedly honor Caldwell’s contributions while working to build on her success. Her legacy as a coach who cared deeply about her players and her commitment to excellence will leave a lasting mark on the Lady Vols.
### What’s Next for Kim Caldwell?
As for Caldwell, her departure from coaching opens a new chapter in her life. While there has been no official word on her next steps, it’s clear that Caldwell will continue to have a lasting impact on the sport. Whether she pursues another coaching opportunity in the future, or steps into a new role within basketball, Caldwell’s wealth of knowledge and experience will no doubt remain an asset to the game.
Her departure marks the end of a chapter in the Tennessee women’s basketball program, but her legacy will continue to live on through the players she mentored and the success she helped build. As the Lady Vols move forward into a new era, they will undoubtedly honor the hard work and dedication that Kim Caldwell brought to the program.
Tennessee’s fans, players, and staff all wish Caldwell the best as she moves on to the next stage of her life. Her impact on the Lady Vols will never be forgotten, and she will forever be a part of Tennessee’s rich basketball history.
