LSU Women’s Basketball Coach Kim Mulkey Stays Unfazed by Key Transfers, Prioritizing Player Happiness and Roster Rebuilding Amidst Departures, as Tigers Set Sights on Title Run with Flau’jae Johnson’s Return
The world of college basketball can be unpredictable, with shifting rosters, injuries, and player transfers making headlines year after year. LSU women’s basketball has faced its share of turnover recently, but none more significant than the departures of several star players in the wake of the team’s Elite Eight loss to UCLA in 2025. Despite the significant roster changes, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey remains unfazed. In a candid interview with WAFB9 Sports, Mulkey shared her thoughts on the situation, offering insight into her coaching philosophy, player development, and her unwavering commitment to ensuring LSU’s continued success on the national stage.
The transfer portal has become a defining feature of modern college basketball, enabling players to switch schools without facing penalties. This shift in the college sports landscape has created a new era of player movement, with rosters constantly in flux. LSU has been no stranger to this phenomenon, and the 2025 offseason saw several key players depart the program, including Sa’Myah Smith, Last-Tear Poa, and others. Their exits marked a significant change for the Tigers, but Mulkey remains resolute in her belief that these departures do not define the future of the program.
“It’s part of the game now,” Mulkey stated. “The transfer portal is a reality that we, as coaches, have to accept and navigate. But that doesn’t mean we have to panic or act out of fear. I’m not angry with any of the players who left. I want what’s best for them, and if that means they need a fresh start, I respect that.” This candid approach speaks to Mulkey’s philosophy as a coach: prioritizing the well-being of her players and ensuring they are in environments where they can thrive.
While many coaches might focus on the loss of talent, Mulkey is focusing on what she can control—recruitment, roster rebuilding, and ensuring the remaining players are fully supported as they prepare for the next season. She understands that building a successful program requires not only talent but also the right culture, and she’s working diligently to maintain that culture through these transitions.
One of the most telling aspects of Kim Mulkey’s interview was her emphasis on player happiness. The NCAA landscape has evolved, and coaches are finding themselves in a delicate balancing act between winning and caring for their players. Mulkey’s statement, “What I want for them is happiness,” speaks volumes about her coaching philosophy.
In a world where the pressure to win can sometimes overshadow player well-being, Mulkey stands out as someone who values the individual growth of her athletes. Her commitment to ensuring players are happy with their decisions, both on and off the court, is evident in her approach to the transfer portal. She understands that players are more than just basketball players—they are individuals who have their own personal journeys and aspirations.
“It’s easy to focus solely on the wins and losses,” Mulkey explained, “but at the end of the day, these young women are here to grow academically, socially, and personally. I want them to succeed in life, not just on the court. If that means they need to leave, then I’m going to support them.”
This level of empathy has allowed Mulkey to foster a positive and supportive environment at LSU, one where players feel valued beyond their performance on the hardwood. While this mindset might seem counterintuitive in an era where success is often measured by championships and titles, Mulkey’s approach is based on the idea that a happy and well-supported player is more likely to succeed, both individually and as part of the team.
The departures of key players like Sa’Myah Smith and Last-Tear Poa were undoubtedly significant blows to LSU’s roster. However, rather than viewing these losses as setbacks, Mulkey is treating them as opportunities to reshape the team and bring in new talent that will help propel LSU back to the top.
“I’m not going to sit around and wallow in what we lost. We’re rebuilding, and that’s something I’m excited about,” Mulkey said. The recruiting process is in full swing, and Mulkey is focused on bringing in players who can contribute immediately, ensuring the Tigers remain competitive in an increasingly tough SEC and NCAA landscape.
One of the first steps in this process has been the addition of players like Kate Koval, a transfer from Notre Dame, and Amiya Joyner, who comes from East Carolina. Both players bring unique skills and qualities to the team that Mulkey believes will complement the existing players and enhance LSU’s overall depth. These additions have been seen as positive steps toward fortifying the roster, but Mulkey isn’t stopping there.
“There’s still a lot of work to do,” Mulkey remarked. “We’re in pursuit of top talent, like Serah Williams from Wisconsin, and we’re doing everything we can to bring in the right players who fit our system and culture.”
This approach—actively pursuing high-caliber transfers—is not just about filling gaps; it’s about building a team that is capable of competing for championships year in and year out. Mulkey’s commitment to talent acquisition and development ensures that LSU remains a formidable force in women’s college basketball.
While LSU’s roster may have undergone some significant changes, one constant that fans and the team can rely on is the return of Flau’jae Johnson. Johnson, one of the most dynamic and talented players in the country, is set to return for the 2025-2026 season. Her presence on the court is a game-changer, and her leadership will be crucial in helping LSU return to its championship-contending status.
“Flau’jae is the kind of player who can carry a team,” Mulkey said of her star player. “She’s a competitor, a leader, and someone who makes everyone around her better. Having her back is a huge boost for our team, and we’re counting on her to help guide us back to the top.”
Johnson’s return provides LSU with a sense of stability and leadership, qualities that will be crucial as the Tigers integrate their new players and continue to adapt to the evolving landscape of college basketball. With her scoring ability, versatility, and defensive prowess, Johnson is poised to be a key figure in LSU’s pursuit of another NCAA title.
Despite the roster turnover, LSU’s championship aspirations remain firmly intact. Mulkey’s ability to navigate the changing landscape of college basketball, prioritize player development, and maintain a strong team culture has positioned the Tigers for continued success.
“We’ve been through a lot, but we’re still hungry,” Mulkey said. “Our goal is to win championships, and we’ll do whatever it takes to get there. We have a great foundation, and we’re bringing in the right pieces to make another run.”
With Flau’jae Johnson leading the charge, and a new wave of talent set to join the roster, LSU has all the ingredients necessary for another deep NCAA tournament run. The SEC remains one of the toughest conferences in women’s college basketball, but Mulkey’s confidence and unwavering belief in her team suggest that LSU will once again be among the top contenders for the national title.
Kim Mulkey’s approach to the challenges facing LSU women’s basketball is one of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering optimism. She understands that the college basketball landscape is constantly evolving, and she embraces the changes that come with it. Her focus on player happiness, roster rebuilding, and championship aspirations ensures that LSU remains a top program in women’s college basketball.
While the losses of key players may have raised questions about the future of the team, Mulkey’s calm, collected approach offers reassurance. The Tigers are not defined by the players who leave, but by the culture, the coaching staff, and the remaining talent that continues to shape the program.
With Flau’jae Johnson returning, a new influx of talent on the horizon, and Kim Mulkey at the helm, LSU women’s basketball is well-positioned to continue its legacy of excellence and compete for more championships in the years to come. For Mulkey, the journey is far from over, and her commitment to building a program that prioritizes player development, happiness, and success is sure to lead to even more triumphs in the future.
