How the Lady Vols forged this unbreakable bond
Knoxville, Tenn. – One of the most enjoyable parts of Lady Vols’ Head Coach Kim Caldwell’s job is an aspect where she feels she lucked out because she doesn’t have to manufacture any of it.
Caldwell’s 11-0 debut season is the best start by a first-year head coach in Lady Vols’ history. She did so with a group of six transfers and eight returners who have blended together better than probably anyone could’ve anticipated.
A team that’s only played each other for about 10 months now looks more like a team that’s played together their entire collegiate careers.
“I think, one I just got really lucky with the players I inherited and the players we recruited,” said Caldwell. “Also, we just make it a safe, fun place where you can be yourself, you can whatever you need to say. We’re not going to judge you, we’re not going to be on you. And we are who we are.”
This was evident even during the Lady Vols’ preseason media day.
There were designated tables for the players and the media members would conduct interviews at each of those tables.
Well, that’s how it was supposed to go.
Instead, the players would migrate to wherever Caldwell or the assistant coaches were. Their conversations were full of laughter and smiles and you hated being the one to interrupt for an interview.
That, reinforced Caldwell’s statement when she’d say they have fun no matter the occasion.
“Just being around them in general is just fun,” said Caldwell. “On the bus, they’re telling jokes on the way to the gym, when we get there we are always out so we’re sitting on the bench and they’re sitting with us. So, just anytime we’re around each other we are having a good time. And it doesn’t have to be scripted and it doesn’t have to be planned.”
During their tough stretch of three games in four days, it hit Caldwell that they’re almost at the halfway mark of the season. Which means the time with her seniors is rapidly winding down.
“It kind of hit me on the trip, “Hey, we have a lot of seniors.” So enjoy the moments you have with them and they’re such a fun team to be around. Especially before the holidays and you’re going on break. So “Just making sure as a coach you soak up the moments you have with the players that you don’t have a lot of time with left. That’s unique as we haven’t been around each other very long, but still enjoying those moments,” said Caldwell.
Of course, it’s a balancing act, because while you’re trying to enjoy those shared moments there’s also a job to be done and goals still to meet.
That’s exactly when those seniors need to step up.
One of those leaders has been Jewel Spear, who Caldwell noted is still pushing through some lower leg pain but she’s looking a lot better now.
Spear’s someone Caldwell needs on the floor because she’s an invaluable leader.
“I think us having to repeat things less and them getting to what makes me mad before I have to say it. They should know that know and just making sure they’re paying attention. Jewel has done a really good job since coming back of making sure her team is on the same page, making sure they know the plays, making sure everyone on the floor knows the plays. But just making sure they’re getting to things before I do,” said Caldwell.
Someone else Caldwell is happy to see ‘back’ is Sara Puckett. The forward has certainly gone through some ebbs and flows this season when it comes to scoring, whether from the perimeter or in the paint.
Their trip before Christmas break has the potential to help her regain her confidence. She went 7-12 against Tusla with 3 triples and a season-best seven rebounds.
Caldwell was sure it was only a matter of time before Puckett found her groove again, and also what’s helped her get through this funk has been her conversations with Caldwell.
“A lot of listening. Telling her I believe in her. She wouldn’t be on the floor if I didn’t believe in her. To just go back to having fun. And just take all of the pressure off of yourself. Young people today have so much pressure on them from people outside of the program, or just internally. They don’t like to fail. They miss one shot and then they’re in their head about it, so just making sure she can play a little more free,” said Caldwell.
