In a surprising twist, the University of Tennessee’s athletic director, Danny White, has revealed the names of coaches that fans wanted to see take the helm of the Lady Vols’ basketball program, before he ultimately made the decision to hire Kim Caldwell. Tennessee has long been one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball, and following the departure of the legendary Holly Warlick, the fanbase was eager to see the program’s next leader. As the Lady Vols looked for a coach who could restore the team’s championship pedigree, fans voiced their opinions loudly on social media, in public forums, and through various channels.
While Danny White ultimately chose Kim Caldwell as the next head coach, many fans had their own ideas about who could lead the team back to the top. Here’s a look at some of the coaches Tennessee fans were clamoring for, and how their names were thrown into the mix during the search process.
### 1. **Tina Thompson**
Tina Thompson, a former WNBA legend and one of the most decorated players in women’s basketball history, was one name that repeatedly came up in conversations among Tennessee fans. Thompson, who had built a solid reputation as a coach at the University of Houston, was viewed as someone with the experience, leadership qualities, and basketball IQ to lead a storied program like the Lady Vols. Fans loved the idea of Thompson bringing her knowledge of the game and strong pedigree to Knoxville.
Her success as a player, combined with her coaching experience, made her a compelling option for many. Fans were drawn to her ability to relate to players, having been in their shoes as an elite athlete, and her leadership would have undoubtedly been a point of attraction. However, Danny White ultimately went in a different direction, choosing Kim Caldwell to take over the program.
### 2. **Carolyn Peck**
Another name that garnered significant support from Lady Vols fans was Carolyn Peck, the former head coach of the Florida Gators and current analyst for ESPN. Peck, who had previous success coaching at Florida and also led Purdue to a national title in 1999, was considered by many fans to be a natural fit. Her ability to turn around programs, her deep understanding of the game, and her experience as both a player and coach made her a fan favorite.
Peck’s ties to women’s basketball and her proven success at the highest levels were qualities that Tennessee supporters admired. Her national championship pedigree made her one of the most respected voices in the sport. Fans were eager to see her bring that same success to Knoxville. However, despite her appeal, Danny White ultimately decided to hire Caldwell, leaving many fans to wonder what could have been with Peck at the helm.
### 3. **Nikki Fargas**
Nikki Fargas, the former head coach of LSU, was another coach frequently mentioned by fans during the search for Tennessee’s new head coach. Fargas had built a successful program at LSU and was known for her defensive-minded coaching style and ability to develop players. Tennessee fans admired her work ethic, leadership, and success in the SEC, and many saw her as a coach who could thrive at Tennessee.
While Fargas eventually left LSU to take a position with the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA, her name was often floated in the conversations about the future of Tennessee women’s basketball. Fargas’ ability to recruit top talent in the SEC and her success in developing players would have made her an attractive choice for the Lady Vols. Ultimately, however, Danny White’s search for a coach who could reshape the program’s culture led to Caldwell being hired instead.
### 4. **Sue Semrau**
Sue Semrau, the former head coach of Florida State, was another name mentioned in the Tennessee fan base’s wish list. Known for building a strong program at Florida State and guiding the Seminoles to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, Semrau had the resume to take on the challenge of leading the Lady Vols. Tennessee fans admired her success in the ACC and her ability to consistently compete at a high level.
Semrau, who retired from coaching at Florida State, was seen by many as a steady and experienced presence that could help guide Tennessee through a rebuilding phase. However, despite the widespread admiration for Semrau’s accomplishments, White opted for a different route and hired Kim Caldwell, who had proven herself to be a promising, up-and-coming coaching talent.
### 5. **Kristy Curry**
Kristy Curry, head coach at Texas Tech, was another coach that Tennessee fans advocated for during the hiring process. Curry had built a strong reputation as a recruiter and had guided Texas Tech to NCAA Tournament appearances in recent years. Known for her ability to develop talent and her success in the Big 12, Curry’s name surfaced on many fans’ lists as a viable candidate for the Lady Vols.
Though Curry’s name was consistently mentioned, she wasn’t the final choice for Danny White, who ultimately made the decision to bring in Kim Caldwell. Curry’s coaching career, however, continues to impress fans and pundits alike, and she remains a highly respected figure in women’s college basketball.
### Conclusion
The search for Tennessee’s next Lady Vols head coach was filled with excitement, speculation, and high hopes for a program looking to reclaim its spot among the nation’s elite. While Danny White’s final decision was to hire Kim Caldwell, the names mentioned by Tennessee fans during the search reflect the passionate and dedicated fanbase eager to see their team succeed again on the national stage. Caldwell’s ability to connect with her players, her leadership qualities, and her fresh approach ultimately won over the administration, and now the Lady Vols look to build on her vision for the future of the program.
Be the first to comment