Kim Caldwell has appointed Denise Jilka as the new director of basketball operations for the Lady Vols. Jilka takes over from Catherine Greene, who left for a position with the ACC in October 2025.
Key points
Denise Jilka appointed as Lady Vols director of basketball operations
Replaces Catherine Greene, who joined the ACC
Position was vacant for the entire 2025-26 season
Kim Caldwell emphasizes Jilka's work ethic and organizational skills
Mentioned in this story
Kim CaldwellDenise JilkaCatherine GreeneACC
Lady Vols
Kim Caldwell hires Denise Jilka as Lady Vols director of basketball operations
Lady Vols basketball coach Kim Caldwell has hired Denise Jilka to be her new director of basketball operations, Tennessee announced May 15.
Jilka replaces Catherine Greene, who was hired as the ACC director of women's basketball in October. Tennessee went the entirety of the 2025-26 season without replacing Greene, who was executive director of basketball operations and chief of staff the previous four seasons. Greene had been with the program since 2019.
"I could not be happier to announce Denise Jilka as our executive director of basketball operations," Caldwell said in a school release. "Because of her work ethic and her familiarity with our program, our staff and personnel around the university and SEC, I expect this to be a seamless transition. Her energetic personality and spirit, her organizational skills and her ability to connect with people will serve her and our program well in this role."
Mar 5, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Kim Caldwell reacts during the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Q&A
Who is Denise Jilka and what is her new role?
Denise Jilka is the newly appointed director of basketball operations for the Lady Vols, replacing Catherine Greene.
Why did the Lady Vols need a new director of basketball operations?
The Lady Vols needed a new director after Catherine Greene was hired as the ACC director of women's basketball, leaving the position vacant since October 2025.
What qualities did Kim Caldwell highlight about Denise Jilka?
Kim Caldwell praised Jilka's work ethic, familiarity with the program, energetic personality, organizational skills, and ability to connect with people.
When was Denise Jilka officially hired by the Lady Vols?
Denise Jilka was officially hired as the director of basketball operations on May 15.
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Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell walks off the court after the loss to Vanderbilt in an NCAA college basketball game on Mar. 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Tennessee coach Kim Caldwell throws her hands up during a NCAA basketball game at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Feb. 19, 2026.
Ole Miss vs. Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell in a NCAA women's college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell yells instructions to her team during an NCAA college basketball game against Missouri on Feb 12, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Feb 8, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Kim Caldwell comforts guard Mya Pauldo (12) after Pauldo was poked in the eye against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Feb 1, 2026; Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Kim Caldwell watches from the sideline as they take on the UConn Huskies in the first half at PeoplesBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Tennessee coach Kim Caldwell during a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and Mississippi State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Jan. 29, 2026.
Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell huddles with players on the court during a game between the Lady Vols and Kentucky at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., Jan. 22, 2026. Tennessee defeated Kentucky.
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell talks to guard Mya Pauldo (12) during an NCAA college basketball game against the Arkansas Razorbacks on Jan. 11, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell reacts to a foul call against the Lady Vols during an NCAA college basketball game against the Florida Gators on January 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn.
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell yells out instructions to the team during anNCAA college basketball game against Southern Indiana on Dec. 22, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell calls out instructions to the team during the NCAA college basketball game against Winthrop on Dec. 14, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 30: Head Coach Kim Caldwell of the Tennessee Lady Vols reacts during the second half of their game against the UCLA Bruins at UCLA Pauley Pavilion on November 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)
Tennessee coach Kim Caldwell during a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and Coppin State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Nov. 23, 2025.
Tennessee Lady Volunteers coach Kim Caldwell on the sideline with Tennessee Lady Volunteers forward Janiah Barker (0) during the NCAA women's basketball game against Middle Tennessee on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at Middle Tennessee.
Tennessee coach Kim Caldwell gestures as she looks back on the shot clock during a NCAA women's basketball between the Tennessee Lady Vols and Belmont Bruins at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tennessee on Nov. 13, 2025.
Tennessee Head Coach Kim Caldwell speaks with Tennessee's Janiah Barker (0) during the Pat Summitt Classic between Tennessee versus UT-Martin inside Kathleen and Tom Elan Center in Martin. Tenn., on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell gives instructions to forward Zee Spearman (11) during the NCAA college basketball game between the Tennessee Lady Vols and East Tennessee State Buccaneers on November 7, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell calls out to her players during a NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game between the Lady Vols and Texas at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
Tennessee Volunteers head coach Kim Caldwell talks with her team as Tennessee Volunteers face off with Texas Longhorns during the Sweet 16 at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Texas Longhorns defeated Tennessee Volunteers 67-59 to advance to the Elite 8.
Tennessee Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell motions to her team during the second round of the women's NCAA Tournament against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena in Columbus on March 23, 2025. Ohio State lost 82-67.
Tennessee Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell talks to her players during the first round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament against the South Florida Bulls at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio on March 21, 2025.
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell yells directions to her players during an NCAA college basketball game against Georgia on Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
Tennessee Head Coach Kim Caldwell looks at Tennessee forward Jillian Hollingshead (53) celebrating during the fourth quarter of the Southeastern Conference Women's Basketball Tournament game with Texas A&M Mar 5, 2025; Greenville, South Carolina, USA; at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
Tennessee Head Coach Kim Caldwell talks with Tennessee forward Zee Spearman (11) during the first quarter of the Southeastern Conference Women's Basketball Tournament game with Texas A&M Mar 5, 2025; Greenville, South Carolina, USA; at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell talks with an official during the NCAA college basketball game against Georgia on Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
Tennessee Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell puts her arms up while talking about a foul to a referee during a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and Auburn at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell and UConn head coach Geno Auriemma have a lengthy chat before a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and UConn at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell during the NCAA college basketball game against South Carolina on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell works with the team during the first quarter against Vanderbilt at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.
Tennessee Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell high-fives Tennessee guard Samara Spencer (7) before a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and Mississippi State at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.
Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell yells out to her players during a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and LSU at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey, right, hands Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell a baby gift before a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and LSU at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell during the NCAA college basketball game against Winthrop on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 in in Knoxville, Tenn.
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell during the NCAA college basketball game against Winthrop on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 in in Knoxville, Tenn.
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell talks with her players during an NCAA college basketball game against North Carolina Central on Saturday, December 14, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn.
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell before the start of the NCAA college basketball game against North Carolina Central on Saturday, December 14, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn.
Tennessee Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell during flinches during a play during a NCAA college basketball game at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn.
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell talks with Talaysia Cooper (55) during an NCAA college basketball game against Middle Tennessee State University on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. Saul Young/USA TODAY Network
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell during the NCAA college basketball game between the Tennessee Lady Vols and Middle Tennessee State University on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn.
Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell during a basketball game between the Lady Vols and Samford held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Brianna Paciorka/USA TODAY Network
Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell on the sidelines during an exhibition game between the Lady Vols and Carson-Newman at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024.
Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell laughs with Tennessee forward Zee Spearman (11) and forward Jillian Hollingshead (53) during the Lady Vols' media day at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024.
Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell smiles during the Lady Vols' media day at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024.
Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell speaks during SEC Media Day at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2024.
Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell poses for a picture with Sierra during the annual Hoops for Hope event at Farragut High School on Saturday, August 24, 2024. Hoops for Hope is an East Tennessee organization for Down Syndrome.
Lady Vols coach Kim Caldwell greets fans during the Big Orange Caravan event at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
Lady Vols head basketball coach Kim Caldwell waves to the crowd after throwing the first pitch before a NCAA baseball game at Lindsey Nelson Stadium on Friday, April 12, 2024. Tennessee won 6-3 against LSU.
Kim Caldwell stands with her mother (left) and husband Justin Caldwell (right), a former assistant coach for Marshall men's basketball, after being welcomed as the University of Tennessee's Lady Vols coach in Knoxville, Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
Kim Caldwell, the new head coach for Lady Vols, is welcomed by the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Mar 5, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Kim Caldwell reacts during the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Mar 5, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Kim Caldwell reacts during the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell walks off the court after the loss to Vanderbilt in an NCAA college basketball game on Mar. 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee coach Kim Caldwell throws her hands up during a NCAA basketball game at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Feb. 19, 2026.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Ole Miss vs. Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell in a NCAA women's college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell yells instructions to her team during an NCAA college basketball game against Missouri on Feb 12, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Feb 8, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Kim Caldwell comforts guard Mya Pauldo (12) after Pauldo was poked in the eye against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Feb 1, 2026; Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Kim Caldwell watches from the sideline as they take on the UConn Huskies in the first half at PeoplesBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee coach Kim Caldwell during a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and Mississippi State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Jan. 29, 2026.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell huddles with players on the court during a game between the Lady Vols and Kentucky at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., Jan. 22, 2026. Tennessee defeated Kentucky.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell talks to guard Mya Pauldo (12) during an NCAA college basketball game against the Arkansas Razorbacks on Jan. 11, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell reacts to a foul call against the Lady Vols during an NCAA college basketball game against the Florida Gators on January 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell yells out instructions to the team during anNCAA college basketball game against Southern Indiana on Dec. 22, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell calls out instructions to the team during the NCAA college basketball game against Winthrop on Dec. 14, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 30: Head Coach Kim Caldwell of the Tennessee Lady Vols reacts during the second half of their game against the UCLA Bruins at UCLA Pauley Pavilion on November 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee coach Kim Caldwell during a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and Coppin State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Nov. 23, 2025.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee Lady Volunteers coach Kim Caldwell on the sideline with Tennessee Lady Volunteers forward Janiah Barker (0) during the NCAA women's basketball game against Middle Tennessee on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at Middle Tennessee.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee coach Kim Caldwell gestures as she looks back on the shot clock during a NCAA women's basketball between the Tennessee Lady Vols and Belmont Bruins at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tennessee on Nov. 13, 2025.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee Head Coach Kim Caldwell speaks with Tennessee's Janiah Barker (0) during the Pat Summitt Classic between Tennessee versus UT-Martin inside Kathleen and Tom Elan Center in Martin. Tenn., on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell gives instructions to forward Zee Spearman (11) during the NCAA college basketball game between the Tennessee Lady Vols and East Tennessee State Buccaneers on November 7, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell calls out to her players during a NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game between the Lady Vols and Texas at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee Volunteers head coach Kim Caldwell talks with her team as Tennessee Volunteers face off with Texas Longhorns during the Sweet 16 at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Texas Longhorns defeated Tennessee Volunteers 67-59 to advance to the Elite 8.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell motions to her team during the second round of the women's NCAA Tournament against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena in Columbus on March 23, 2025. Ohio State lost 82-67.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell talks to her players during the first round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament against the South Florida Bulls at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio on March 21, 2025.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell yells directions to her players during an NCAA college basketball game against Georgia on Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee Head Coach Kim Caldwell looks at Tennessee forward Jillian Hollingshead (53) celebrating during the fourth quarter of the Southeastern Conference Women's Basketball Tournament game with Texas A&M Mar 5, 2025; Greenville, South Carolina, USA; at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee Head Coach Kim Caldwell talks with Tennessee forward Zee Spearman (11) during the first quarter of the Southeastern Conference Women's Basketball Tournament game with Texas A&M Mar 5, 2025; Greenville, South Carolina, USA; at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell talks with an official during the NCAA college basketball game against Georgia on Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell puts her arms up while talking about a foul to a referee during a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and Auburn at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell and UConn head coach Geno Auriemma have a lengthy chat before a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and UConn at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell during the NCAA college basketball game against South Carolina on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell works with the team during the first quarter against Vanderbilt at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell high-fives Tennessee guard Samara Spencer (7) before a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and Mississippi State at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell yells out to her players during a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and LSU at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey, right, hands Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell a baby gift before a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and LSU at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell during the NCAA college basketball game against Winthrop on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 in in Knoxville, Tenn.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell during the NCAA college basketball game against Winthrop on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 in in Knoxville, Tenn.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell talks with her players during an NCAA college basketball game against North Carolina Central on Saturday, December 14, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell before the start of the NCAA college basketball game against North Carolina Central on Saturday, December 14, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell during flinches during a play during a NCAA college basketball game at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell talks with Talaysia Cooper (55) during an NCAA college basketball game against Middle Tennessee State University on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. Saul Young/USA TODAY Network
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell during the NCAA college basketball game between the Tennessee Lady Vols and Middle Tennessee State University on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell during a basketball game between the Lady Vols and Samford held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Brianna Paciorka/USA TODAY Network
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell on the sidelines during an exhibition game between the Lady Vols and Carson-Newman at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell laughs with Tennessee forward Zee Spearman (11) and forward Jillian Hollingshead (53) during the Lady Vols' media day at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell smiles during the Lady Vols' media day at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell speaks during SEC Media Day at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2024.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell poses for a picture with Sierra during the annual Hoops for Hope event at Farragut High School on Saturday, August 24, 2024. Hoops for Hope is an East Tennessee organization for Down Syndrome.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Lady Vols coach Kim Caldwell greets fans during the Big Orange Caravan event at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Lady Vols head basketball coach Kim Caldwell waves to the crowd after throwing the first pitch before a NCAA baseball game at Lindsey Nelson Stadium on Friday, April 12, 2024. Tennessee won 6-3 against LSU.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Kim Caldwell stands with her mother (left) and husband Justin Caldwell (right), a former assistant coach for Marshall men's basketball, after being welcomed as the University of Tennessee's Lady Vols coach in Knoxville, Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
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Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady Vols
Kim Caldwell, the new head coach for Lady Vols, is welcomed by the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
Jilka has worked at Tennessee since 2014, when she was hired as an assistant academic counselor. She was promoted to academic counselor and tutor coordinator in 2015 and then was promoted to director of academic services for Olympic sports in 2023, a role she has spent the last three years in. Jilka has no previous experience as a director of basketball operations.
Jilka will join Maggie Stanley, the assistant director of basketball operations, in handling the overall logistics for the program, including overseeing all team travel, academics, daily scheduling and more.
Stanley is also special assistant to the head coach. She was promoted to the position this spring after being a graduate assistant last season. Stanley was the director of basketball operations for Caldwell during her lone season at Marshall.
Jilka played softball at Bradley University and graduated in 2011. She earned a master's in sport and performance psychology from University of Denver in 2013 and a master's in sport management from Tennessee in 2017.
