Kim Caldwell Donates $6.2 Million to Elevate Lady Vols Basketball and Empower Future Generations
Knoxville, TN — May 4, 2025
Kim Caldwell, head coach of the University of Tennessee’s women’s basketball team, has made a landmark $6.2 million donation to the university’s athletic department, specifically earmarked to enhance the Lady Volunteers basketball program. The contribution ranks among the largest ever received by the university’s athletic division and reflects Caldwell’s extraordinary commitment to the future of women’s sports and her deep belief in the legacy of the Lady Vols.
The donation will be allocated across three key areas: program development, facilities upgrades, and student-athlete scholarships. University officials confirmed that a significant portion of the funds will support expanded training and conditioning resources, as well as improvements to team facilities at Thompson-Boling Arena. The remaining funds will bolster scholarship offerings for current and future players, ensuring access to world-class academic and athletic opportunities.
Caldwell, who took the helm of the Lady Vols basketball team in 2024, expressed that this donation is a personal and professional statement of gratitude and purpose.
“This program means everything to me,” said Caldwell during a press conference on Friday. “The legacy of the Lady Vols is one of excellence, strength, and sisterhood. I want to honor that tradition by investing not only in today’s team but also in the generations to come. I believe deeply in the power of women’s athletics to transform lives.”
University of Tennessee Chancellor Donde Plowman hailed the donation as “a transformative moment” in the university’s athletic history. “Kim’s gift is more than a donation—it’s a bold declaration of leadership and belief in what we can achieve together. Her generosity will empower countless young women to chase their dreams on and off the court.”
Caldwell’s gift comes at a pivotal moment for the Lady Vols, a program steeped in tradition and national acclaim. With eight NCAA championships and a passionate fan base, Tennessee’s women’s basketball program has long been a cornerstone of excellence in college sports. Caldwell has made it clear she intends to build upon that legacy by fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and holistic development.
“This isn’t just about wins and titles,” Caldwell added. “It’s about creating an environment where our athletes can grow as leaders, students, and individuals. I want every player who puts on that jersey to know they have the full support of this community behind them.”
Athletic Director Danny White praised Caldwell’s leadership both on and off the court. “Coach Caldwell is setting the tone for a new era of Lady Vols basketball. Her vision and generosity are already making an impact, and this gift cements her as not only a phenomenal coach but also a true champion for our student-athletes.”
The university confirmed that naming opportunities and additional facility announcements tied to the donation will be unveiled later this year.
Caldwell’s philanthropic move is already inspiring alumni and boosters to step forward with additional support. Former Lady Vols players, including several WNBA stars, took to social media to thank Caldwell for her investment in the program’s future.
As Tennessee prepares for the upcoming season under Caldwell’s leadership, excitement is building both within the locker room and across the Volunteer Nation. With resources now in place to match her bold ambitions, Caldwell’s era promises to be one of growth, impact, and renewed dominance for the Lady Vols.
“This is just the beginning,” Caldwell concluded. “The best is yet to come.”