Lady Vols basketball coach Kim Caldwell recently shared some exciting personal news—she is expecting her first child. In a heartfelt post on social media, Caldwell wrote, “Faith in God includes faith in His timing. Baby Caldwell coming winter 2025,” expressing her joy and anticipation for the new addition to her family.
The announcement, made on X (formerly known as Twitter), was accompanied by a charming photo of a tiny high-top sneaker perched atop a basketball, symbolizing the blend of her personal and professional lives.
This marks the first child for Caldwell and her husband, Justin, who recently celebrated their first wedding anniversary in May. Caldwell, 35, was appointed as the head coach of the Lady Vols in April, taking over from Kellie Harper. Before joining Tennessee, she served as the head coach at Marshall and previously coached at Division II Glenville State, where both she and Justin were also student-athletes.
Caldwell’s pregnancy isn’t unprecedented among Tennessee coaches. In 2018, during her first season as the volleyball coach, Eve Rackham Watt was also pregnant. Despite being restricted from traveling in the final month, Rackham Watt led the team to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in six years and gave birth to her son, Jude, that November.
The University of Tennessee has a long-standing tradition of supporting coaches through their parenting journeys. Legendary coach Pat Summitt, who led the Lady Vols to national prominence, gave birth to her son Tyler in 1990 while still at the helm of the team. More recently, women’s tennis coach Alison Ojeda reached the national semifinals while 36 weeks pregnant and welcomed her son, Marcus, in July. Ojeda, who also gave birth to her daughter, Summitt, during a previous season, has spoken highly of the unwavering support she received from athletic director Danny White and the department.
Faith in God includes faith in His timing. Baby Caldwell coming winter 2025. pic.twitter.com/24K2qQ4ky9
— Kimberly Caldwell (@CoachKim_) September 3, 2024
As Caldwell prepares for the upcoming season, she reflects on her journey from coaching at Glenville State to leading a Division I team at Marshall, and now, the Lady Vols. The Lady Vols are set to kick off their season with an exhibition game against Carson-Newman on Oct. 31, followed by their season opener against Samford on Nov. 5. The team, and now the growing Caldwell family, are looking forward to a bright future both on and off the court.
