Kim Mulkey, the head coach of the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team, has made a remarkable mark on the world of college basketball. Her recent achievement—being named The Associated Press Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year for the third consecutive year—is a testament to her skills, leadership, and ability to inspire both her team and the basketball community as a whole. This recognition is not just a reflection of her success on the court, but also of the hard work, determination, and vision that she has brought to LSU’s program.
A History of Success: Kim Mulkey’s Coaching Journey
Kim Mulkey’s coaching career is one built on a solid foundation of experience, ambition, and a deep understanding of the game. Before embarking on her coaching journey, Mulkey was a player who excelled in the sport. She was a standout guard for the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters, one of the most successful programs in women’s basketball history. As a player, Mulkey was known for her fierce competitiveness, basketball IQ, and leadership skills. These same traits would become a hallmark of her coaching career.
Mulkey began her coaching career at Louisiana Tech, where she served as an assistant coach for several years. During her time there, she helped develop players who would go on to have successful careers in the WNBA and beyond. In 2000, Mulkey was offered the head coaching position at Baylor University, a relatively underperforming program at the time. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary.
In her first season at Baylor, Mulkey led the Bears to an NCAA Tournament berth. But it didn’t stop there. Over the course of her tenure at Baylor, Mulkey transformed the program into a national powerhouse. She won three NCAA national championships (2005, 2012, and 2019), was named Coach of the Year multiple times, and consistently produced elite teams that dominated the Big 12 Conference and competed for national titles.
Her success at Baylor earned her a reputation as one of the premier coaches in women’s basketball. However, in 2021, Mulkey made a surprising decision to leave Baylor and take the head coaching job at LSU, a program with a rich basketball history but one that had not reached its full potential in recent years. Many saw her move as a bold and ambitious choice, but Mulkey saw it as an opportunity to build something special.
The Rise of LSU Women’s Basketball Under Kim Mulkey
When Kim Mulkey arrived at LSU in 2021, the women’s basketball program was at a crossroads. The team had talent, but it had not consistently reached the heights that its fanbase and supporters expected. Mulkey was tasked with turning things around quickly, and she wasted no time getting to work.
From day one, Mulkey brought an intensity and commitment to excellence that set the tone for the entire program. She instilled a winning culture based on discipline, toughness, and a belief that every player had the potential to succeed at the highest level. Her leadership immediately paid off, and LSU saw an immediate turnaround in its performance on the court.
In her first season at LSU, Mulkey’s team made an impressive run in the NCAA Tournament, reaching the Elite Eight. The team showed significant improvement from the previous year, and Mulkey’s ability to motivate her players and instill confidence in them was evident. Mulkey’s impact was felt not only in LSU’s on-court success but also in the way the team and the program began to garner national attention.
However, it was in her second year at LSU that Mulkey truly cemented her place as one of the best coaches in the country. Under her leadership, the Tigers were able to build upon their success from the previous season, and the program achieved unprecedented heights. In just her second season, Mulkey led LSU to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament, marking a major milestone in the history of LSU women’s basketball. The team’s deep run in the tournament was a reflection of Mulkey’s ability to get the best out of her players and her commitment to building a championship-caliber team.
The Third Consecutive Coach of the Year Award
Kim Mulkey’s remarkable achievement of being named The Associated Press Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year for the third consecutive year speaks volumes about her ability to consistently produce top-tier teams year in and year out. Winning this prestigious honor three times in a row is no small feat, and it further establishes her as one of the most dominant figures in women’s college basketball.
The 2024-2025 season was particularly impressive for LSU. Mulkey’s team finished with a stellar record and continued to dominate both in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and nationally. LSU’s success during the regular season was a testament to the work Mulkey and her staff put in on and off the court. The Tigers were a well-coached, disciplined team that executed at a high level on both ends of the floor.
One of the key factors in LSU’s success this season was Mulkey’s ability to get the best out of her players. Whether it was developing young talent, maximizing the skills of her veterans, or adapting her game plan to the strengths of her team, Mulkey consistently showed why she is one of the most respected coaches in the game. Her ability to make in-game adjustments, her deep understanding of the game, and her keen eye for talent were all on display throughout the season.
Additionally, Mulkey’s leadership extended beyond just the Xs and Os of basketball. She has created a culture within the LSU program that emphasizes teamwork, accountability, and the importance of supporting one another. Mulkey’s commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment for her players has contributed significantly to LSU’s success and her ability to maintain a high level of performance year after year.
Mulkey’s Impact on Women’s Basketball
Kim Mulkey’s success at LSU has broader implications for women’s college basketball as a whole. She has become a trailblazer and role model for aspiring female coaches and athletes. Her ability to succeed at the highest level while maintaining her authenticity and commitment to excellence has inspired countless individuals both inside and outside of the basketball world.
As a former player who has become one of the most successful coaches in the history of the sport, Mulkey has shattered stereotypes and proven that women can excel in leadership positions within athletics. She has also helped elevate the visibility of women’s college basketball, proving that the women’s game can be just as exciting, competitive, and entertaining as the men’s game.
Mulkey’s success has also had a positive impact on recruiting. High school players and top-tier recruits are increasingly looking to play for programs with strong leadership, a winning culture, and a chance to develop into successful professionals. Mulkey’s reputation as a coach who gets results has made LSU a destination for some of the most talented players in the country. The Tigers’ rise to prominence under Mulkey’s leadership has made the program a force to be reckoned with, not just in the SEC but on the national stage as well.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Kim Mulkey and LSU
Looking ahead, the future of LSU women’s basketball under Kim Mulkey is incredibly bright. Mulkey has laid a solid foundation for sustained success, and with each passing season, the program continues to improve. The Tigers are positioned to contend for national championships for years to come, and Mulkey’s ability to develop talent, build strong teams, and adapt to changing dynamics in college basketball ensures that LSU will remain a dominant force.
Additionally, Mulkey’s influence extends beyond just basketball. She is a passionate advocate for women’s sports and continues to work tirelessly to improve the visibility and representation of women in athletics. Her leadership has helped elevate the entire sport of women’s basketball, and her success will undoubtedly inspire future generations of players and coaches.
As LSU’s head coach, Mulkey has proven time and again that she is more than capable of leading her team to the top. Her third consecutive Coach of the Year award is just another chapter in what has already been a legendary career. With Mulkey at the helm, the LSU Tigers will continue to be a team to watch, and her impact on the sport of women’s basketball will be felt for many years to come.
In conclusion, Kim Mulkey’s incredible achievements as the head coach of LSU women’s basketball reflect not only her remarkable coaching ability but also her unwavering dedication to the sport and to the development of her players. Her recognition as The Associated Press Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year for the third consecutive year is a fitting tribute to her legacy and her continued success. As she continues to lead LSU to new heights, there is little doubt that Kim Mulkey will remain one of the most influential and respected figures in the world of women’s college basketball.
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