Caldwell, who replaced former coach Kellie Harper in April, is entering her first season at the helm of a storied program. She inherits a team that made it to the NCAA Tournament last season but has not advanced beyond the Sweet 16 since 2016.
Caldwell has brought in a number of new faces to Knoxville, including transfers from top programs around the country. Graduate transfer Sara Puckett (Mississippi State) is expected to start at point guard, while forwards Jailin Cherry (Baylor) and Jillian Hollingshead (Vanderbilt) add depth and experience to the frontcourt.
Despite the influx of new talent, the Lady Vols still have a solid core of returners led by senior guard Jordan Horston. The 6-foot wing was named All-SEC Second Team last season and is the team’s leading scorer. Forward Tamari Key and guard Rae Burrell are also key pieces who will need to step up in bigger roles this season.
Caldwell has made it clear that she wants her team to play tough defense. During practice, the Lady Vols worked extensively on communication, rotations, and denying the paint. Caldwell’s defensive principles are a departure from Harper’s more offensive-minded approach.
While defense is a priority, Caldwell is also making some adjustments to the team’s offense. The Lady Vols will run more motion offense and look to create scoring opportunities for all players. They also worked on improving their ball movement and shot selection.
Horston and Key have emerged as leaders on and off the court. They are setting the tone for the team and working to create a positive culture. Caldwell has emphasized the importance of teamwork, accountability, and resiliency.
Kim Caldwell’s first open practice with the Lady Vols provided a glimpse of the team’s potential and direction. The new coach is bringing a fresh perspective and instills a strong defensive mindset. While there is still work to be done, the Lady Vols have the talent and leadership to be competitive this season.
Here are a few actionable takeaways from the practice:
- Expect a more balanced offense: Caldwell’s emphasis on motion offense will allow more players to get involved in the scoring.
- Defense will be a priority: The Lady Vols will look to improve their defensive efficiency, which was a weakness last season.
- Leadership will be key: Horston and Key are setting the tone for the team and will need to continue to lead by example.
- Patience is required: Caldwell is building her team from scratch, and it will take time to implement her system and culture.
- The future is bright: The Lady Vols have a lot of young talent and the potential to compete for championships in the years to come.
The Lady Vols will open their season on November 7th against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles. Fans and media alike will be watching closely to see how the team progresses under Caldwell’s leadership.
