Talk about dedication! Kim Caldwell, the head coach of the University of Tennessee women’s basketball team, returned to the court just one week after giving birth to her first child. On Monday night, she was back on the sidelines for the Lady Volunteers’ game against the defending NCAA champions, the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Caldwell, who had been battling the flu, received a standing ovation from the crowd at Food City Center in Knoxville. She and her husband, Justin, welcomed their son, Conor Scott, last Monday. The little one weighed in at six pounds and 10 ounces.

Despite returning to practice on Friday, the Lady Vols couldn’t pull off a win, falling 70-63 to South Carolina. The Gamecocks extended their winning streak to 15 games, while Tennessee faced its third straight loss.

Caldwell admitted she wasn’t expecting the warm welcome from fans. “I definitely wasn’t expecting it. I try to sneak in and go unnoticed,” she said after the game. “It made coming back worth it.”

When asked how she managed the physical demands of coaching so soon after giving birth, Caldwell joked, “I’ll know probably tomorrow when I get home.” She credited her team and staff for their support, saying, “It’s big when you have people around you who you can trust.”

South Carolina’s head coach, Dawn Staley, applauded Caldwell’s commitment, saying, “Women have the strength of ten men, no doubt about it.” Caldwell agreed with a quick “Duh!” when asked about the comment.

Tennessee players also expressed their admiration for Caldwell. Senior guard Samara Spencer called her a “blessing,” while forward Jillian Hollingshead highlighted the coach’s resilience, saying, “She just had a baby. She’s coming back. We have to give our all for her.”

Caldwell’s return is a testament to her passion for the game and her team. The Lady Vols will face Missouri next, while South Carolina takes on Auburn this Sunday.

What a comeback! Caldwell’s story is sure to inspire athletes, coaches, and fans alike.