Award by Merit: Kim Caldwell Secures Second Maggie Dixon Award as Top First-Year Head Coach in Division I Women’s Basketball…
In a remarkable display of leadership and excellence, Kim Caldwell, head coach of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers women’s basketball team, has been honored with the Spalding® Maggie Dixon NCAA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year Award for the second time in her illustrious career. This prestigious accolade underscores Caldwell’s exceptional impact on collegiate women’s basketball, highlighting her ability to transform programs and inspire athletes.
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Understanding the Maggie Dixon Award
Established in 2007 by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), the Maggie Dixon Award is named in honor of the late Maggie Dixon, who, in her inaugural season as the Army women’s basketball head coach, led the Black Knights to a Patriot League title and their first NCAA Tournament appearance. The award recognizes a first-year NCAA Division I head coach who achieves outstanding success, both on the court and in personal development of student-athletes.
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Kim Caldwell’s First Maggie Dixon Award
In April 2024, during her inaugural season at Marshall University, Coach Caldwell led the Thundering Herd to a 26-7 record, securing the Sun Belt Conference championship and earning the program’s first NCAA Tournament berth since 1997. Her leadership earned her the Spalding® Maggie Dixon NCAA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year Award, marking a significant milestone in her coaching career.
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A Stellar Transition to Tennessee
In April 2024, Caldwell transitioned to the University of Tennessee, taking the helm of the Lady Vols. Despite being in her first year with the team, she demonstrated exceptional leadership, guiding Tennessee to a 28-6 record and a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Her strategic prowess and ability to adapt to the competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC) were evident as the Lady Vols secured significant victories, including wins over top-ranked teams like UConn and Iowa.
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Securing the Second Maggie Dixon Award
Caldwell’s outstanding performance did not go unnoticed. In April 2025, she was honored with her second Spalding® Maggie Dixon NCAA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year Award. This rare achievement places her among an elite group of coaches who have made an immediate and profound impact on their programs. WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew praised Caldwell’s ability to manage all aspects of a program while achieving competitive success, highlighting her effectiveness both as a teacher and mentor.
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Career Achievements and Coaching Philosophy
Before her tenure at Tennessee, Caldwell amassed a remarkable 191-24 record over seven seasons at Glenville State University, where she led the Pioneers to an NCAA Division II National Championship in 2022. Her coaching philosophy centers on developing well-rounded individuals who excel both on the court and in life, emphasizing hard work, resilience, and teamwork.
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Impact on Women’s Basketball
Caldwell’s back-to-back Maggie Dixon Awards highlight her exceptional ability to lead and inspire. Her success story serves as a beacon for aspiring coaches and athletes, demonstrating that with vision, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, remarkable achievements are possible. As she continues to elevate the Tennessee Lady Vols, the future of women’s basketball looks brighter than ever.
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