Seimone Augustus Returns Home: LSU Names Legend as Director of Player Development

BATON ROUGE, La. – In a move that resonates deeply with LSU Tigers fans and the broader women’s basketball community, the LSU Tigers women’s basketball program has appointed Seimone Augustus as the new Director of Player Development. The announcement, which sent a jolt of excitement through Baton Rouge and beyond, marks a full-circle moment for one of the greatest players to ever wear the purple and gold.

Augustus, an LSU icon, WNBA legend, Olympic gold medalist, and trailblazer in women’s sports, returns to her alma mater with a wealth of experience, unmatched knowledge of the game, and a legacy that speaks for itself. The timing couldn’t be better for the LSU program, which is still basking in the afterglow of a national championship in 2023 and continued national prominence under head coach Kim Mulkey.

But this hire is about more than nostalgia. It’s a strategic and powerful move that blends legacy with future growth. Augustus’s return to LSU marks the beginning of a new era—one where the past and present collide to forge a stronger, smarter, and more resilient team, on and off the court.

Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Seimone Augustus is more than just a basketball legend in Louisiana—she’s a cultural icon. Her roots in the community run deep. As a standout at Capitol High School, she was the nation’s top recruit in 2002. She then went on to have an illustrious college career at LSU from 2002–2006, where she led the Tigers to three consecutive Final Four appearances and was twice named the Naismith Player of the Year.

“Coming back to LSU feels like coming home,” Augustus said in a statement. “This university gave me everything—an education, a platform, and a family. I’m honored to have the opportunity to give back and help guide the next generation of LSU Tigers.”

Her return isn’t just symbolic—it’s inspirational. It signals to players, fans, and recruits that LSU is serious about not just building championship teams, but also building a program that honors its legends and uses their expertise to keep the program among the nation’s elite.

Head coach Kim Mulkey, no stranger to success herself, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of developing complete student-athletes—mentally, physically, and emotionally. In Augustus, she’s found the perfect partner for that mission.

“This is a home run for LSU,” Mulkey said. “Seimone knows what it means to be a Tiger. She knows how to compete, how to lead, and how to win. More importantly, she knows how to connect with these young women in a way that’s authentic and powerful. I couldn’t be more excited to welcome her back.”

Since taking over in 2021, Mulkey has revitalized LSU basketball, turning the Tigers into perennial contenders once again. With a national title already under her belt at LSU, Mulkey is now building the infrastructure to keep LSU dominant. Adding Augustus to the staff isn’t just a sentimental hire—it’s a savvy one. Her basketball IQ is off the charts, and her credibility is beyond reproach.

The role of Director of Player Development isn’t just about X’s and O’s. It’s about mentoring, guiding, and preparing players for life beyond college basketball. That’s where Augustus’s experience becomes an invaluable asset.

Her career spans every level of the game—from starring in college to leading the Minnesota Lynx to four WNBA championships, to winning three Olympic gold medals with Team USA. Augustus has seen the game from every angle and has faced every type of pressure. She knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

In her new role, she’ll help players navigate the unique challenges of collegiate athletics in 2025—balancing NIL opportunities, media responsibilities, academics, and the transition to professional careers.

“She’s the blueprint,” said LSU guard Flau’Jae Johnson. “To have someone like Seimone on staff, someone who’s done everything we dream about, that’s powerful. She’s not just going to help us become better players—she’s going to help us become better women.”

Augustus’s return to LSU also gives the program a renewed connection to its storied past. Her number—#33—hangs in the rafters at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. She’s the school’s second all-time leading scorer and arguably the most iconic player in program history.

Her 2,702 points, three Final Fours, and national accolades set a standard of excellence that still looms large over the program. And yet, despite all her accolades, Augustus has always remained humble—something her former coaches and teammates say made her a natural leader.

“She was the best player in the country, but she never acted like it,” said Pokey Chatman, Augustus’s former LSU coach. “She led by example, she worked harder than everyone else, and she genuinely cared about her teammates. That’s what made her special.”

Those leadership traits are exactly what LSU’s current and future players will benefit from. With Augustus in the building, they’ll have daily access to one of the most respected minds in the sport.

Augustus’s hiring also sends a powerful message about representation in sports. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Augustus has used her platform to advocate for equality and inclusion throughout her career. She’s been outspoken about issues that matter to her—from gender equity in sports to racial justice and beyond.

In a time when many student-athletes are grappling with identity, purpose, and societal pressures, Augustus offers not just mentorship but representation.

“She’s someone who looks like us, talks like us, and understands our struggles,” said sophomore forward Aalyah Del Rosario. “She makes us feel seen and heard. That matters.”

At a university like LSU, with a diverse student body and a passionate fan base, having someone like Augustus in a leadership role sets a progressive and powerful tone. It tells recruits and their families that LSU is a place where athletes can thrive as their full selves.

LSU enters the 2025 season with sky-high expectations. After winning the national championship in 2023 and making a deep tournament run again in 2024, the Tigers are once again loaded with talent. Players like Flau’Jae Johnson, Hailey Van Lith, and Mikaylah Williams continue to elevate the program’s profile nationally, while Mulkey has added even more firepower through the transfer portal and recruiting.

Augustus’s presence on the sidelines and behind the scenes will undoubtedly elevate the team’s preparation, chemistry, and mindset. And as LSU continues to evolve into one of the most high-profile programs in women’s sports, having a respected alumna on staff will also play a major role in recruiting.

“She’ll be a secret weapon on the trail,” Mulkey added. “You walk into a recruit’s living room with Seimone Augustus, and you’re sending a message: this is LSU. This is excellence.”

Augustus isn’t just a bridge to the past—she’s a bridge to the future. Her WNBA career, which lasted from 2006 to 2021, included eight All-Star appearances and over 6,000 career points. She played alongside and against the greatest players in the world and earned their respect.

Her post-playing career has included broadcasting, coaching (she was an assistant with the Los Angeles Sparks), and continued involvement in social advocacy. Now, as she shifts to a more developmental role, she brings all of that with her to LSU.

“She has a unique way of relating to younger players because she’s lived their reality,” said ESPN’s LaChina Robinson. “She knows what it’s like to carry expectations, to play for something bigger than yourself, and to deal with criticism. Her perspective is going to be invaluable to LSU’s culture.”

With Augustus now back at LSU and Mulkey continuing to solidify the Tigers as a national powerhouse, the pieces are in place for a dynasty. The infrastructure, the talent, the coaching, the support—it’s all there.

And as women’s sports continue to gain momentum across the country, LSU is positioning itself as a leader. From its success in basketball and gymnastics to its high-profile NIL deals and sellout crowds, LSU is showing the world what it means to invest in women’s athletics.

Augustus’s hiring fits squarely into that vision. It’s bold, it’s meaningful, and it’s exactly what LSU fans have come to expect from a program on the rise.

Seimone Augustus isn’t just returning to LSU—she’s reclaiming her roots and adding to her legacy in a new way. Her journey has come full circle, from Baton Rouge prodigy to global superstar and now back to the place where it all began.

In the eyes of Tiger fans, this hire is more than basketball. It’s about identity. It’s about pride. And most of all, it’s about believing that greatness breeds greatness.

With Augustus now helping to shape the next generation of LSU players, the future looks not just bright—but legendary.