Good News: Chamique Holdsclaw Will Joins Head Coach Kim Caldwell in Knoxville for a Special Collaboration that Honors the Legacy of Legendary Coach Pat Summitt…
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – A beloved figure in women’s basketball is returning to where it all began. Chamique Holdsclaw, one of the most iconic players in Tennessee Lady Vols history, will join head coach Kim Caldwell in Knoxville for a special collaboration that honors the legacy of legendary coach Pat Summitt.
Holdsclaw’s return is more than symbolic—she will work closely with the Lady Vols program in a mentorship and ambassadorial role, helping guide the next generation of athletes while paying tribute to the coach who helped shape her career. The announcement comes as part of a broader initiative by the university to reconnect with the program’s storied past while embracing a bold new chapter under Caldwell’s leadership.
“This is home for me,” Holdsclaw said in a statement. “Coach Summitt was more than a coach—she was a leader, a mentor, and a second mother to so many of us. I’m honored to return to Tennessee and contribute to a program that still carries her spirit.”
Pat Summitt, who coached the Lady Vols from 1974 to 2012, was a towering figure in women’s sports, earning eight national championships and 1,098 career wins. She passed away in 2016 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease, but her legacy continues to inspire athletes and coaches around the world.
Kim Caldwell, who took over as head coach of the Lady Vols in 2024, welcomed the partnership with enthusiasm. “Having Chamique back with us is incredibly special,” Caldwell said. “She represents everything this program stands for—excellence, grit, and heart. This is about more than basketball; it’s about building a legacy.”
Caldwell has been vocal about her commitment to honoring the traditions of Tennessee basketball while also building a culture of innovation and unity. Adding Holdsclaw to the fold strengthens those efforts by reestablishing ties to one of the most successful eras in college basketball history.
Holdsclaw starred at Tennessee from 1995 to 1999, leading the team to three consecutive national championships and finishing as the school’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder. Her career remains one of the most decorated in NCAA history.
The reunion comes at a meaningful time for the program and its fans, many of whom continue to hold deep emotional ties to Summitt’s era. Plans are already underway for a series of community events, alumni engagements, and outreach efforts that will bring together former players, fans, and the current roster in celebration of the program’s rich heritage.
“There’s a special energy around Lady Vols basketball right now,” said Athletic Director Danny White. “Bringing in someone like Chamique is a reminder that while we’re building for the future, we never forget where we came from.”
As the Lady Vols prepare for the upcoming season, the presence of Chamique Holdsclaw alongside Kim Caldwell sends a powerful message: Tennessee’s tradition is alive and well—and it’s ready to soar again in memory of the woman who started it all.
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