
via Imago
Dec 21, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari smiles during the second half against the North Carolina A&T Aggies at Bud Walton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

via Imago
Dec 21, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari smiles during the second half against the North Carolina A&T Aggies at Bud Walton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
Arkansas is in a do-or-die situation right now. The Razorbacks have to win at least three of their next six games to stand a chance to make it to March. Consistently close games give fans hope, but the way they lose is too much even for them. As a result, their newest $7 million gamble is catching a lot of flak. Arkansas fans are giving John Calipari a piece of their mind, but the coach is keeping professional and private completely separate. With hopes crushing on the court, the HC has something to cheer beyond the game.
How does it feel when your child is making their mark in the world? Proud, right? John Calipari is no different. At his core, he’s a proud father who loves his children. The Arkansas coach’s eldest, Dr. Erin Calipari, is currently an associate professor at Vanderbilt, choosing study over sports. Even though she chose academics, basketball runs in the family. Erin represented UMass Amherst WBB while she studied biology, proving that she truly is the best of both worlds.
Well, it’s her birthday and Calipari wasted no time in wishing her on socials. The legendary coach wrote a heartfelt message on X for his daughter. He shared a few loving memories about his daughter and told her exactly how much he loved her.
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Today is my daughter Dr. Erin Calipari’s birthday! I can still remember racing Ellen to McGee’s women’s hospital in Pittsburgh.
Erin was a climber and always curious. Would run all day til she fell asleep!! Proud of you girl. Keep being you! Love dad— John Calipari (@CoachCalArk) February 18, 2025
Calipari’s praise of his daughter is nothing new. He has been consistent with how much he loves her, and how proud he is of her on his socials. Recently, he tweeted about an award she received from the government. “Erin received a wonderful award if you don’t mind a bragging father saying I’m proud of her!” He posted on X. Not unlike her father, Erin is a very proud daughter as well.
Does the Caliparis support each other?
John Calipari’s departure from Kentucky was not a simple one. There were a lot of emotions behind his last couple of years, which ended up being unsuccessful. Unfortunately for coach Cal, the Big Blue Nation isn’t exactly known to be forgiving. Hate comments flooded the internet after Calipari announced that he was leaving Kentucky for Arkansas, and fans went crazy.
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Erin Calipari, however, could stay silent for only so long. She has been very outspoken on X about how proud she is of her father, and how the hate he receives makes no sense. Nearly a month after his departure, Erin spoke out against a hateful tweet about her father. The tweet, long since deleted, questioned Cal’s accomplishments at Kentucky. Erin held nothing back as she responded. “He won a championship, got inducted into the hall of fame, and became the winningest active coach during that time. Glad I could clarify.”
What’s your perspective on:
Does Erin Calipari's success prove that sports and academics can go hand in hand?
Have an interesting take?

USA Today via Reuters
Mar 17, 2018; Boise, ID, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari greets guard Brad Calipari (12) during the second half against the Buffalo Bulls during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Taco Bell Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports
John Calipari’s son, Brad, played under him for Kentucky, and is now coaching alongside him! He, like his sister, does not pass up on an opportunity to show how proud he is of his dad. His X feed is filled with posts praising his dad, showing off his accomplishments to the world.
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Even with all the hate directed towards him, John Calipari remains content with his family. They have been on the receiving end of plenty, but it doesn’t faze them anymore. How they handle adversity and keep looking out for each other is a lesson for all.
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Debate
Does Erin Calipari's success prove that sports and academics can go hand in hand?