The Tennessee Volunteers are set for another critical SEC matchup as they prepare to face the Alabama Crimson Tide in Knoxville. Lady Vols coach Kim Caldwell addressed the media ahead of the game. That’s where she shared insights on defense, team adaptation, and staying focused.
Kim Caldwell on Alabama’s 3-Point Threat
The No. 15 Volunteers will take on No. 18 Crimson Tide at 6:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 20, at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center. The game will be streamed live on SECN.
Caldwell emphasized the challenge Alabama presents with its shooting ability, highlighting the importance of defense.
“I think this is a huge defensive test for us,” she said. “And we have been playing defensive-minded teams the last couple games, and so now we have to be the defensive-minded team. We have to really guard the three-point line. They’re a team that has six players that can give you 20. We have to play team defense, but you’ve got to step up and do your job.”
Caldwell noted that the team has improved in understanding their roles and working together more effectively. She pointed out the impact of strong communication on decision-making.
“I think we’re getting better there, and I think our communication is also getting better. Our decision making a lot of times is not great, and it helps when you have someone calling for the ball. And so if you have a choice, and the games come at you a little too fast, and you hear Jewel right beside you, it’s a no-brainer to throw her the ball.”
With Alabama being a top-20 team, Caldwell stressed the need to focus only on the upcoming game rather than looking too far ahead.
“I think that’s hard, too. I think that it’s been nice to be at home. You can kind of just get through your home stretch and then maybe turn the page. And Alabama is a really good team. I mean, we’re going to play the 18th ranked team in the country coming in here, and so that’s not something you can overlook or try to look big picture. You’ve just got to look at the next game.”
Caldwell’s Impact on Tennessee
Meanwhile, Ole Miss coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin was paying close attention to Caldwell’s coaching style long before she arrived at Tennessee. Last March, when Caldwell was leading Marshall, McPhee-McCuin expressed admiration for her coaching methods.
After Marshall’s win over James Madison in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament championship, McPhee-McCuin posted her thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), praising Caldwell’s leadership.
“HELL OF A GAME! 1st of all 2 great coaches! (Players) left it all on the floor! I am def a fan of Marshall! I love how she subs & coaches her team! They. Play. So. Hard!! incredible culture!”
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Following her success at Marshall, Caldwell was hired as Tennessee’s head coach in April. Just months later, her Lady Vols secured an 80-71 win over McPhee-McCuin’s Ole Miss team at Food City Center.
The Lady Vols (19-6, 6-6 SEC) were powered by Jewel Spear’s 28-point performance. Their aggressive defense also proved vital, as they converted 19 Ole Miss turnovers into 24 points.
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