Kim Caldwell Might Have to Change System for Lady Vols to Reach Sweet 16 | Adams
As the Tennessee Lady Vols approach the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, a pressing question looms over the program’s championship aspirations: will head coach Kim Caldwell need to adjust her system to get her team to the elusive Sweet 16? While the Lady Vols are one of the most storied programs in women’s basketball, Caldwell’s coaching philosophy and the team’s current makeup might face a tough challenge in reaching the upper echelons of the NCAA Tournament. Although the team has shown promise during the regular season, significant changes might be needed in order to push them through to the Sweet 16.
This article explores the potential shifts in Caldwell’s system, what has worked for the Lady Vols so far this season, and what might need to change if they are to advance deeper in the tournament. With March Madness fast approaching, every adjustment, big or small, could make the difference between an early exit and a historic run.
The Lady Vols’ Current Season: A Mixed Bag of Promises and Setbacks
The 2024-2025 season for the Lady Vols has been a series of ups and downs. On one hand, the team has played tough basketball in an increasingly competitive SEC (Southeastern Conference), where the depth and quality of competition continue to rise each season. Caldwell, who took over as head coach in 2022, has successfully built a strong foundation for the program, and the Lady Vols have consistently been a top 25 team in the national rankings.
However, as with most high-profile teams, there have been several inconsistencies that have raised questions. Some games have showcased the Lady Vols’ true potential, where they’ve outclassed top opponents with a dynamic, high-energy offense and a suffocating defense. On the other hand, the Lady Vols have struggled with ball security, three-point shooting, and maintaining composure under pressure.
The team’s regular-season losses — often to rivals or teams with top-tier rosters — highlight how the Lady Vols still need to find a level of consistency, especially against high-caliber teams. Even when they have won games convincingly, those wins have sometimes come with caveats, such as the inability to execute down the stretch or failure to put away opponents during crunch time.
With the NCAA Tournament approaching, the Lady Vols have to answer a key question: how can they rise to the occasion in the postseason? That’s where Caldwell’s system comes into play.
Kim Caldwell’s System: Strengths and Limitations
Caldwell has consistently built her system around a blend of high-intensity defense and a fast-paced offense, focusing on pushing the ball and creating opportunities through pressure. This aggressive style of play has helped the Lady Vols excel at forcing turnovers and generating easy transition buckets, which has been their strength throughout her tenure.
The Lady Vols have also embraced a balanced offensive system, with a mix of inside-out play and a reliance on versatile players who can create mismatches. For instance, players like Jordan Walker and Maddie Wright have demonstrated their ability to impact the game both inside and from beyond the arc, giving Caldwell a great deal of flexibility in her offensive sets.
However, as the Lady Vols have discovered this season, Caldwell’s system might need a more nuanced approach to contend with the elite teams they will face in the NCAA Tournament. Specifically, their struggles with ball movement and shot selection have been glaring, especially when facing more disciplined, methodical teams. Caldwell’s team has at times become too reliant on the fast break, neglecting the need for controlled half-court offense. In the postseason, where every possession matters, this can become a glaring weakness.
Additionally, Caldwell’s preference for man-to-man defense — while effective at times — has been vulnerable against teams with high-level perimeter shooting. The Lady Vols have been exposed by teams that can space the floor and create opportunities off the dribble, especially in late-game situations. Post defense and rebounding also continue to be a concern, especially against teams with physical, athletic frontcourts.
Adjusting to the Sweet 16 Level
As the Lady Vols approach March Madness, it is becoming increasingly clear that Caldwell may need to tweak her system to maximize the potential of her roster and adjust to the tournament’s unique environment. A tournament run to the Sweet 16 or beyond requires a level of adaptability and tactical flexibility, two areas where the Lady Vols might need to improve.
1. Half-Court Offense and Shot Selection
In the tournament, teams with well-established half-court offenses are often able to execute more efficiently, especially in tightly contested games. Caldwell’s system is predicated on pushing the ball up the court, but as the season has shown, it sometimes leads to rushed or ill-advised shot attempts. In the postseason, where every possession can be critical, the Lady Vols must focus on improving their execution in half-court sets, creating better shot opportunities, and reducing turnovers.
Incorporating more motion offense and pick-and-roll plays could help keep the defense on its heels and prevent the offense from stagnating. Caldwell needs to empower her team to be more patient and selective when attacking the basket, especially when they face more defensive-minded teams that can slow the pace.
The Lady Vols must also rely on their shooters to step up. While the team boasts capable players from the perimeter, three-point shooting consistency has been an issue all season. Caldwell might need to design more plays that free up her shooters in spots where they are comfortable. If the team can improve its efficiency from long-range, the defense will have to adjust, and the Lady Vols could take advantage of mismatches.
2. Defensive Adjustments and Depth
Defensively, Caldwell’s man-to-man scheme has been solid, but against teams with strong individual scorers and sharp shooters, adjustments are crucial. One area where the Lady Vols could improve is their ability to mix in zone defense or more pressing schemes, especially against teams that thrive on perimeter shooting. Adding more defensive schemes to their playbook will keep opponents from predicting their next move, forcing them to adjust to the changing dynamics on the court.
Another important aspect of improving defensively is making sure Caldwell utilizes her bench players to give her key starters a breather while maintaining defensive intensity. The Lady Vols have a talented roster, but it is critical for Caldwell to find ways to maximize the contributions of all players, especially those who may not be the primary offensive focus. By deepening the rotation and ensuring that defensive energy is always high, the Lady Vols can be more disruptive in critical moments.
3. Rebounding and Interior Play
In a tournament setting, teams with a strong presence in the paint can often dominate, and rebounding becomes an area of emphasis. The Lady Vols have struggled at times this season with post defense, and Caldwell may need to implement more double-teams or focus on improving their ability to contest shots inside the paint.
Additionally, having a dominant post player to anchor the defense and provide an offensive spark is essential. If Caldwell can get her team to be more consistent in rebounding — both on the offensive and defensive boards — it will allow the Lady Vols to control the pace and limit second-chance opportunities for opponents. Getting consistent performances in the paint will also help open up the perimeter for outside shooters and help mitigate defensive breakdowns.
4. Mental Toughness and Poise
Finally, one of the most important aspects of tournament play is the mental toughness to weather tough situations and stay poised under pressure. Caldwell’s team has shown flashes of this, but the Lady Vols will need to be prepared for moments when games get tight, and the stakes rise.
While the system can be adjusted and tweaked, it is ultimately up to the players to execute under the intense spotlight of the NCAA Tournament. Caldwell will need to instill a strong sense of confidence and composure in her players. Making sure they are mentally prepared for high-pressure situations — whether it’s closing out games, handling aggressive defenses, or responding to runs by the opposition — will be a major factor in their success.
The Road to the Sweet 16
The path to the Sweet 16 is never an easy one, but the Tennessee Lady Vols have the talent and potential to get there — and beyond. Head coach Kim Caldwell is known for her ability to develop players and build competitive teams, but in order to break through to the next level, she may need to adjust her system to better capitalize on her team’s strengths while addressing its weaknesses.
The key to the Lady Vols’ success will be their ability to adapt and evolve. By focusing on half-court execution, defensive versatility, rebounding, and mental toughness, Caldwell’s system can be tweaked to help her team make a deep run in the tournament. With the NCAA Tournament on the horizon, every strategic decision will count, and for the Lady Vols, the time to adjust is now.