Tennessee Lady Vols Basketball Coach Kim Caldwell and Samara Spencer Post-Game vs. Vanderbilt at SEC Tournament
Greensboro, NC – Following a hard-fought battle in the SEC Tournament, Tennessee Lady Vols Head Coach Kim Caldwell and star guard Samara Spencer addressed the media after their team’s victory over Vanderbilt. The Lady Vols showcased their resilience and skill, advancing to the next round of the tournament with a commanding performance that highlighted their balanced attack and defensive intensity.
Coach Kim Caldwell: On the Team’s Performance
Coach Caldwell was in high spirits after the win, reflecting on the overall team effort and the preparation that went into facing a tough Vanderbilt squad.
“We knew Vanderbilt was going to come out with a lot of intensity; they’re a well-coached team and they’ve had a strong season,” Caldwell began. “We’ve been focusing on making adjustments, keeping our defensive pressure high, and ensuring we stay composed under pressure. I’m proud of the way the team executed the game plan tonight. We had great ball movement, and defensively, we made it tough for Vanderbilt to get easy looks. The players did a fantastic job staying disciplined.”
Caldwell was quick to highlight the contributions from the entire team, not just from the usual standout players, which was a key to the victory.
“It was a total team effort. We saw great contributions from everyone who stepped on the court. Samara Spencer played an incredible game, but we also had players stepping up when it mattered most,” Caldwell said. “Our depth is one of our strengths, and it was on full display tonight. Whether it was knocking down big shots or getting key stops on defense, every player played their role to perfection.”
On Samara Spencer’s Performance
Coach Caldwell was especially complimentary of Samara Spencer, who had another standout performance on the court. Spencer has been a key player for the Lady Vols all season, and her poise in high-pressure moments was on full display once again.
“Samara Spencer was phenomenal tonight,” Caldwell said, smiling. “She’s been a leader for us all season long, and when the game was on the line, she didn’t back down. She has an incredible ability to control the tempo of the game, and she did just that tonight. Her scoring, passing, and defense were exactly what we needed to advance.”
Spencer’s performance in the game was a huge factor in the Lady Vols’ ability to maintain a lead, especially during critical stretches. Her ability to score in transition, hit big shots in the half-court offense, and facilitate for her teammates made her the standout player of the game.
Samara Spencer: On Her Performance and the Team’s Success
When asked about her individual performance, Spencer was quick to deflect the praise to her teammates and focus on the team’s collective effort.
“Honestly, I just try to stay aggressive and make the right decisions for the team,” Spencer said. “Tonight, my teammates were making great cuts, finding the open spaces, and I was able to find them with the ball. We have a great chemistry on the court, and when everyone is clicking like that, it makes the game easier for all of us. This win is a testament to the entire team’s hard work and focus.”
Spencer acknowledged the intensity of the SEC Tournament and emphasized how the Lady Vols are preparing to take on the next challenge.
“Every game in this tournament is a battle,” she said. “Vanderbilt is a tough team, and they’re always going to bring it. But we’ve been through a lot this season, and we’ve learned how to stay poised in these situations. We’ll keep building, keep improving, and get ready for the next game. We’re not satisfied yet—we’ve got more work to do.”
Looking Ahead: Preparing for the Next Round
As the Lady Vols prepare for the next round of the SEC Tournament, Coach Caldwell and Spencer both echoed the importance of staying focused and continuing to build momentum.
“Our goal is to keep playing our brand of basketball—intense defense, smart offense, and team-first mentality,” Caldwell said. “We’ve had our ups and downs this season, but the most important thing is how we come together when it matters most. We’re a team on a mission, and we’re ready for what’s next.”
Spencer added, “We’ve been working for this moment, and we’re excited to keep playing and advancing. We’re taking it one game at a time, but our eyes are on the bigger prize. We know what we’re capable of, and now it’s about staying focused, staying humble, and playing for each other.”
Final Thoughts
As the Lady Vols continue their journey through the SEC Tournament, it’s clear that they’re a team that thrives on resilience, depth, and leadership. Coach Caldwell’s strategic adjustments, combined with Spencer’s ability to lead on the floor, make Tennessee a formidable opponent for anyone in the tournament.
With their eyes on a potential SEC title and the NCAA Tournament just around the corner, the Lady Vols are peaking at the right time, and they’ll be looking to carry this momentum forward as they prepare for the next challenge.