Parent Association eNewsletter

Interview with Coach Kim Rosamond

 

Kaitlin Kotasek (KK): What originally interested you in basketball, and how did that journey lead you to Tennessee Tech?

Kim Rosamond (KR): My mom was the one who got me started. When I was six years old, she told me that if I got my ears pierced, she’d buy me a basketball. Naturally, I went for the earrings—and got my first basketball. She put up a hoop in our driveway shortly after, and that’s where it all began. I fell in love with the game. The coaches I played for and the people around me nurtured that passion, and it eventually led me here to Tennessee Tech.

KK: Where did you coach before coming to Tech?

KR: I spent the first five seasons of my coaching career at my alma mater, Ole Miss, before spending two years as an assistant coach at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). I then moved to Vanderbilt, where I coached for nine years. I was very familiar with the tradition and success of Tennessee Tech Women’s Basketball. When the head coach position opened, I knew it was where I wanted to be. I believed we could recruit the kind of student-athletes, on and off the court, that I enjoy coaching and that could win championships. I also loved the location. Cookeville and the state of Tennessee are incredibly special. It was a great fit for me, and I hope it's been a great fit for Tennessee Tech as well.

KK: What would you say is your favorite part of the job?

KR: Without a doubt, it’s the people. I feel incredibly fortunate to coach the type of young women we attract here. Tennessee Tech’s academic profile and basketball tradition bring in a special kind of student-athlete. I genuinely enjoy being around them every day. There’s also a strong sense of community both on campus and in Cookeville. The people make this place what it is, and we’re surrounded by some truly special individuals in our program and throughout Tennessee Tech Athletics.

KK: You’ve built a program that excels both on the court and in the classroom, with a 100% graduation rate. How do you maintain that balance?

KR: For us, it all goes hand-in-hand. Talent is what gets us interested in a player initially, but we want to know more than just what they can do athletically. We look at who they are as people, students, and teammates. We believe how you do one thing is how you do everything. Our players strive to be the best version of themselves in every area of life, and that’s the kind of player we want at Tennessee Tech.

KK: How do you approach big games, like the OVC tournament or facing a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament?

KR: We approach them the same way we approach every game. Whether it’s an exhibition or a championship, we always say, “The next game is the most important game.” That mindset has helped us stay grounded and successful. We don’t let moments get too big. We prepare with excellence, and we play with that same focus—no matter the stage.

KK: You’ve been a trailblazer in women’s basketball. What advice would you give to young women aspiring to become leaders in sports or other male-dominated fields?

KR: Be bold. Go after your dreams. Set your goals, and don’t be afraid of the adversity that comes with pursuing them. You won’t be able to avoid obstacles; you’ll have to go through them. It can be uncomfortable and even scary at times, but you don’t have to love the process. You just have to love the goal. If your focus is on the mission, you’ll get there.

KK: I read that you come from a very tight-knit community in Mississippi. How have your roots shaped your leadership style and values?

KR: My small-town upbringing had a huge influence on who I am. I was surrounded by people who truly cared, whether it was in school, sports, or church. That kind of community support taught me the value of relationships. I always say it’s not your resumé, it’s your relationships. That belief is at the core of how I lead today. Relationships are what build teams, open doors, and make success meaningful.

KK: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not coaching?

KR: I love the lake! We’re fortunate to have beautiful ones nearby: Dale Hollow, Tims Ford, Center Hill. Spending time on the water during the summer is one of my favorite ways to relax and recharge from the pressures of college athletics. I also grew up on a horse farm and was a state champion barrel racer. While I don’t get to ride much anymore, showing horses was a huge part of my life growing up. I was probably riding before I could walk! My mom taught me how to care for horses, clean stalls, and prep gear. It all instilled ownership, responsibility, and a strong work ethic that I still carry with me.

KK: As an agriculture major, I really appreciate that! What’s something about you that might surprise people?

KR: Probably that I was a cowgirl and state champion barrel racer! I started showing horses competitively as a little girl and continued into my college years. It’s a part of my life that really shaped me, even though I don’t do it as often now.

KK: What advice do you have for parents reading this newsletter?

KR: Don’t be afraid to let your kids fail. I know it’s hard to watch them struggle or fall short of a goal, but failure is just feedback. It’s not a dead end; it’s a lesson. I’ve learned more from failure than success. It builds character, grit, and resilience. Let your children experience disappointment and support them through it. In the long run, it will help them grow stronger and more prepared for life.

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