Breaking: LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball Head Coach Kim Mulkey Named AP Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year for the Third Straight Year

In an unprecedented achievement, Kim Mulkey, the head coach of the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team, has been named the Associated Press (AP) Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year for the third consecutive year. This remarkable accomplishment underscores not only Mulkey’s coaching acumen but also her profound impact on the sport, her players, and the legacy she continues to build at LSU.

Mulkey’s third straight honor marks a high point in her already illustrious career. For those who have followed her rise through the ranks of college basketball, this achievement might come as no surprise. The success of the LSU Tigers under her leadership has been nothing short of extraordinary, with Mulkey continuing to reshape the landscape of women’s collegiate basketball in a manner that is both inspiring and transformative.

Kim Mulkey’s journey to becoming one of the most successful coaches in women’s basketball began long before she took the reins at LSU. A Louisiana native, Mulkey grew up in the state and played for the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters, one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball. As a player, Mulkey was not only skilled but a fierce competitor, attributes that would later define her coaching career. She helped lead Louisiana Tech to three NCAA championships during her time there, establishing herself as a standout point guard with a deep understanding of the game.

Following her successful playing career, Mulkey transitioned into coaching, where she quickly proved herself as a formidable strategist and leader. Her first head coaching opportunity came at Baylor University in 2000, and it was there that Mulkey built a national powerhouse. Over her 21 seasons at Baylor, Mulkey led the Lady Bears to three NCAA titles and helped elevate the program into a perennial national contender. Her tenure at Baylor solidified her reputation as one of the best coaches in the history of women’s basketball.

However, in 2021, Mulkey made a bold and unexpected decision to leave Baylor, choosing to return home to Louisiana to take over the LSU Tigers’ program. The move was met with excitement, as Mulkey’s return to her home state was seen as a game-changing moment for LSU basketball. Many wondered whether she could replicate the level of success she achieved at Baylor in a new environment, with new challenges and a different roster.

From the moment Mulkey arrived in Baton Rouge, the expectations for LSU’s women’s basketball program were elevated. The Tigers had enjoyed periods of success in the past but had not reached the pinnacle of college basketball in recent years. Mulkey’s arrival signaled a fresh start for the program and brought renewed hope to fans, players, and recruits alike.

In her first season at LSU, Mulkey’s impact was immediately felt. The team’s performance improved significantly, and the Tigers began to display a level of discipline, intensity, and structure that had been absent in previous seasons. Mulkey’s coaching philosophy, which focuses on a combination of tough defense, unselfish offense, and player accountability, became evident in every game LSU played. Her ability to motivate and develop players, both mentally and physically, led to an improved overall team dynamic and performance.

Under her guidance, LSU quickly became a force in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the national landscape. Mulkey’s ability to recruit top-tier talent also played a key role in the Tigers’ ascent. By attracting high-caliber players and molding them into cohesive units, she began to shape LSU into a contender for national titles.

The 2024-2025 season was one of the most remarkable in LSU’s basketball history. Under Kim Mulkey’s stewardship, the Tigers not only reached new heights but also set a standard of excellence that will be remembered for years to come. LSU’s dominance was evident on both ends of the court, with a defense that stifled opponents and an offense that was both explosive and efficient.

Mulkey’s success during the season was driven by a combination of factors. One of the most important was the development of a well-rounded team. While LSU has always been known for its defensive prowess, Mulkey emphasized the importance of creating a balanced offense to complement that strength. Players like Angel Reese, who blossomed under Mulkey’s tutelage, provided the scoring punch that allowed LSU to dominate in nearly every game. Reese’s rise as one of the best players in college basketball was a testament to Mulkey’s ability to develop individual talent within the framework of a successful team.

In addition to Reese, LSU’s success can be attributed to the team’s chemistry and discipline. Mulkey’s leadership style, which emphasizes accountability, trust, and discipline, created a culture in which players pushed each other to be their best both on and off the court. The Tigers became known for their mental toughness and resilience, qualities that helped them overcome adversity and remain focused on their ultimate goal: winning the national championship.

But it wasn’t just the players who made the difference; Mulkey’s strategic brilliance was on full display. She consistently outcoached opponents with game plans that maximized her team’s strengths and neutralized the weaknesses of opposing squads. Her ability to make in-game adjustments, to tweak lineups and rotations, and to inspire her team to execute with precision was key to LSU’s success throughout the season.

Perhaps the most defining moment of the season came in the NCAA tournament. The Tigers fought their way through a tough bracket, overcoming elite teams from across the country to claim the championship. In the final game, LSU demonstrated all the qualities that Mulkey had instilled in them: discipline, toughness, and unrelenting effort. It was a fitting culmination to a season in which Mulkey’s leadership was paramount.

Mulkey’s coaching philosophy is one of the key reasons for her sustained success. She is known for her no-nonsense approach, demanding excellence from her players while also providing them with the tools and support needed to succeed. One of the cornerstones of her philosophy is defense. Mulkey believes that defense is the foundation of winning basketball, and she has built her teams around this principle. Under her leadership, LSU became one of the most formidable defensive teams in the nation, with players committing to a relentless, pressure-packed style of play.

Offensively, Mulkey encourages her players to be unselfish and to work together to create open looks. Her offense is predicated on ball movement, spacing, and getting easy buckets in transition. Mulkey also places a strong emphasis on the mental side of the game. She believes that winning is as much about mindset as it is about physical talent. She works tirelessly to ensure her players are mentally prepared for the challenges they will face on the court.

Perhaps most importantly, Mulkey fosters a sense of unity and family within her teams. She is known for creating an environment where players feel valued and respected, and where each individual’s success is intertwined with the team’s success. This culture of togetherness has been a key factor in LSU’s rise to prominence under her leadership.

Kim Mulkey’s impact extends far beyond the wins and losses on the court. Her legacy as a coach is not just measured by the number of championships she has won or the awards she has received. It is also measured by the lives she has touched and the standards she has set for future generations of women’s basketball players and coaches.

Mulkey has become a trailblazer in women’s sports, not only for her success but for the way she has broken barriers and challenged expectations. She is a role model for young girls who aspire to play basketball at the highest level and for women who hope to pursue careers in coaching. Her success has opened doors for future generations of female athletes, showing them that with hard work, dedication, and belief in themselves, they can achieve greatness.

Her influence extends beyond LSU. Mulkey has been a vocal advocate for women’s sports, using her platform to push for greater recognition and investment in women’s athletics. She has worked tirelessly to elevate the visibility of women’s college basketball, and her efforts have helped bring the sport into the mainstream. As a result, she has become one of the most respected figures in the entire world of sports, regardless of gender.

Kim Mulkey’s third consecutive AP Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year honor is a testament to her exceptional coaching ability, her leadership, and her commitment to excellence. Under her guidance, LSU has become a national powerhouse in women’s basketball, and Mulkey’s legacy is continuing to grow. Her ability to inspire, teach, and develop players has transformed LSU’s program into one of the most respected in the country.

As Mulkey continues to build on her remarkable career, one thing is certain: her influence on women’s basketball will be felt for many years to come. Whether at LSU or beyond, Kim Mulkey has proven that she is one of the greatest coaches in the history of the sport, and her journey is far from over.