Kim Mulkey Named AP Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year for the Third Straight Year: A Historic Achievement

In an era where coaching excellence is often measured by championships and records, Kim Mulkey, head coach of the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team, has once again made history. For the third consecutive year, Mulkey has been named the Associated Press (AP) Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year, cementing her status as one of the most dominant and successful figures in the history of women’s college basketball. This remarkable achievement not only reflects Mulkey’s exceptional coaching ability but also highlights the sustained success she has brought to LSU’s women’s basketball program. With a track record that speaks volumes, Mulkey’s third consecutive honor underscores her unmatched influence on the game.

Kim Mulkey’s coaching journey is one that is deeply intertwined with her passion for the sport and her commitment to excellence. After a highly successful career as a player, including a national championship with the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters in 1988, Mulkey transitioned into coaching, quickly proving herself as a force to be reckoned with. She began her coaching career at her alma mater, Louisiana Tech, before eventually taking over the Baylor University women’s basketball program in 2000.

At Baylor, Mulkey became a household name, leading the Bears to three NCAA championships (2005, 2012, and 2019) and establishing herself as one of the most decorated coaches in women’s basketball history. Her time at Baylor was marked by incredible success, with Mulkey consistently fielding competitive teams and cultivating a reputation for developing top-tier talent.

Despite her remarkable success at Baylor, in 2021, Mulkey shocked the basketball world by accepting the head coaching position at LSU. It was a bold move, but one that was motivated by her desire to take on a new challenge. Mulkey’s move to LSU was a statement of intent—she wanted to build something special in Baton Rouge, and she had the pedigree to make it happen.

The transition to LSU was seamless. Mulkey took over a program that had struggled to reach its full potential in the years prior, and within a short period, she turned it into a powerhouse. In her first season at LSU, Mulkey guided the Tigers to a historic turnaround, taking them to the NCAA Tournament and demonstrating that her coaching ability was as sharp as ever. The subsequent years have only solidified her reputation as one of the game’s best, and her third consecutive AP Coach of the Year award is a testament to the results she’s been able to produce.

What makes Kim Mulkey’s coaching so effective? To answer this question, it’s important to examine her approach to the game. Mulkey’s philosophy has always revolved around discipline, defense, and a relentless drive to win. These principles have guided her teams throughout her career, from her time at Baylor to her current role at LSU.

First and foremost, Mulkey is known for her emphasis on defense. She believes that defense is the backbone of a successful basketball team. Her teams are notorious for their tenacious, high-pressure defense, which forces opponents into difficult situations. This defensive mentality has been crucial in LSU’s rise to prominence under Mulkey’s leadership, with the Tigers consistently ranking among the top defensive teams in the nation.

In addition to defense, Mulkey’s teams are also known for their physicality and intensity. She believes that the game is won in the trenches, and her teams embrace a gritty, no-nonsense style of play. Whether it’s crashing the boards, fighting for loose balls, or imposing their will in the paint, Mulkey’s players embody the toughness that she values so highly. This style of play is not only effective but also sets the tone for the team’s overall mentality—hard work, resilience, and a never-say-die attitude.

Offensively, Mulkey’s teams are well-organized and efficient. While her squads focus heavily on defense, they are also capable of putting up significant points. Under her guidance, LSU’s offense has become increasingly versatile, with players capable of scoring in a variety of ways. Whether it’s through fast breaks, post-play, or perimeter shooting, Mulkey’s teams are able to capitalize on their opportunities and put pressure on the opposition. Her ability to develop and maximize the strengths of her players has been a key component of her success.

One of Mulkey’s most impressive traits as a coach is her ability to adapt and evolve. She is constantly seeking ways to improve her team, whether it’s through tactical adjustments, player development, or strengthening team chemistry. This adaptability has allowed Mulkey to remain at the top of the game for so long, consistently getting the best out of her players and finding ways to outmaneuver her opponents.

Kim Mulkey’s third consecutive AP Coach of the Year award is a reflection of her sustained excellence in a highly competitive field. Women’s college basketball has become increasingly competitive over the years, with teams like Stanford, UConn, South Carolina, and Oregon leading the charge. In this environment, it takes a special kind of coach to stand out, and Mulkey has done just that.

The award recognizes not only her success in leading LSU to an outstanding season but also her ability to maintain that level of success year after year. Under her leadership, LSU has consistently been one of the best teams in the country, earning top rankings and making deep runs in the NCAA Tournament. Mulkey’s ability to get the most out of her players, while also keeping them focused on the bigger picture, has been instrumental in the Tigers’ sustained success.

In addition to her on-court accomplishments, Mulkey’s leadership has helped elevate the program’s profile. Her move to LSU brought renewed attention to the school’s women’s basketball team, and she has worked tirelessly to build a winning culture in Baton Rouge. Her commitment to excellence has not only transformed LSU’s basketball program but has also created a sense of pride and excitement among fans, alumni, and players.

Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of Mulkey’s success is her ability to build strong relationships with her players. Known for her tough love approach, Mulkey demands the best from her athletes but also takes the time to nurture their development both on and off the court. She is a coach who deeply cares about her players’ success, and that personal investment has translated into a team that plays with passion and unity.

Kim Mulkey’s success at LSU has had a far-reaching impact on both the program and the broader landscape of women’s basketball. Under her leadership, LSU has become a perennial powerhouse, consistently competing for national titles and attracting top-tier talent from across the country.

In addition to her success in recruiting, Mulkey’s impact on the development of her players has been undeniable. She has helped mold numerous players into WNBA stars, and her ability to identify and nurture talent has contributed to the growth of women’s basketball as a whole. Her players have become better athletes, more skilled basketball players, and, perhaps most importantly, more confident individuals thanks to her coaching.

Mulkey’s influence extends beyond LSU. She has become one of the most recognizable figures in women’s sports and is widely respected for her accomplishments and her advocacy for the growth of women’s basketball. Her success has paved the way for future generations of female athletes and coaches, and her impact will be felt for years to come.

Her third consecutive AP Coach of the Year award is more than just an individual honor—it is a celebration of her legacy as one of the most successful coaches in the history of the sport. As Mulkey continues to build upon her impressive resume, there’s little doubt that her influence will extend far beyond the game of basketball.

Kim Mulkey’s third consecutive AP Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year award is a testament to her unparalleled coaching ability and the extraordinary success she has brought to LSU. Her impact on the program, her players, and the sport of women’s basketball cannot be overstated. With each passing year, Mulkey continues to raise the bar for excellence in the game, and her legacy as one of the greatest coaches in women’s basketball history is being solidified.

As Mulkey looks to the future, there’s no telling how much further she can take LSU’s women’s basketball program. With her relentless drive, unwavering commitment to success, and unparalleled coaching acumen, Mulkey has positioned herself as a coach who will continue to shape the landscape of women’s sports for many years to come. Her third consecutive AP Coach of the Year award is not just a recognition of her past achievements but a promise of even greater things to come.

In the world of college basketball, Kim Mulkey is a true legend in the making, and this most recent honor only reinforces her place in history.