It may not change the way anyone feels about the hire, but from the interview I just watched, Lady Vol fans will like Kim Caldwell's personality. She comes across as vivacious and very sure of herself ..... a stark contrast to Kellie Harper.
We can focus on being optimistic toward Kim and enthused by her energy, and that's a positive outlook.
I'd hope that we can refrain from rehashing negative impressions of Kellie at this time. We hear every extreme from "Kellie is so stubborn and won't change" to "Kellie is unsure of herself." We've seen a lot of coaches have different reactions after disappointing outcomes: lashing out at the media, tantrums toward players, resigned acceptance, steely resolve, calm, tears, anger, profanity, you name it.
We don't know why Kellie was so emotional after the SC game. Could be a variety of reasons. And we do know that she said that she spent a good part of that night and next morning replaying the ending of the game.
But we also know that Kellie recounted the only time she saw Pat Summitt cry. Kellie said she came out of the locker room after a tough loss (probably the one that stopped the fourpeat) and saw Pat standing by herself in a hallway where she thought no one could see her. And Kellie said that Pat wasn't crying for herself but for her players.
That, coupled with what Kellie said at the presser about how badly she wanted that win for her players, is one possible explanation for the tears.
She certainly didn't sound unsure of herself on Vol Calls two nights later.
As for the second round loss, she may have known that it was the final game she'd represent her beloved alma mater as head coach and that she would soon be parting with her players.