Kim Caldwell, head coach of the 17th-ranked Tennessee Lady Vols, will be returning to the sideline on Monday night after giving birth to her first child, a baby boy named Conor Scott, exactly one week ago. Despite dealing with the flu during childbirth, Caldwell only missed one game, which the Lady Vols lost to No. 7 Texas with assistant Jenna Burdette stepping in as acting coach.
Caldwell expressed her relief at being back with the team and praised Burdette for her performance in the game she missed. She has been diligently attending practice and focusing on recovery, especially with flu circulating among the team members.
Due to health concerns, Caldwell's son will not be around the team for now, although the Lady Vols are eager to meet him. The team even held a baby shower for Caldwell to celebrate the new addition.
The Lady Vols have faced tough competition this season, with their four losses coming by a combined eight points, three of which were against Top 10 teams. They are gearing up to face No. 2 South Carolina on Monday night, aiming to avoid a three-game losing streak.
Caldwell, who leads a high-scoring team averaging 93.4 points per game, is focused on improving the team's performance and reducing fouls. The Lady Vols excel in three-point shooting, leading the nation in made 3-pointers per game.
As Caldwell navigates the challenges of coaching and motherhood, she draws support from her husband, who named their baby, and her mother, who is assisting her in Knoxville. She seeks to strike a balance between her coaching responsibilities and her new role as a mother.
Reflecting on advice from Rick Barnes, the men's basketball coach, who emphasized the importance of separating one's identity from their profession, Caldwell is determined to excel in both aspects of her life.
As the Lady Vols prepare for their upcoming game, Caldwell's return to the sideline brings a sense of stability and determination to the team, showcasing her resilience and commitment to her coaching duties.