ESPN REPORTS: In honor of their renowned head coach, Kim Mulkey, the LSU Tigers and women’s basketball program have announced plans to place a memorial statue at the main entryway.

In a move that cements her legacy as one of the most influential figures in the history of women’s college basketball, the LSU Tigers have announced plans to honor head coach Kim Mulkey with a statue placed at the main entryway of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The decision, first reported by ESPN and confirmed by university officials, marks a historic tribute not only to Mulkey’s extraordinary coaching career but to her enduring impact on the LSU women’s basketball program and the Baton Rouge community.

The statue will be the first ever at LSU dedicated to a women’s coach, a landmark acknowledgment of the strides made in women’s athletics over the past several decades. Kim Mulkey, already a Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and a four-time NCAA national championship-winning coach, is widely regarded as a transformative force in the sport. According to the school’s official release, the bronze statue will be placed prominently outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center—LSU’s basketball arena and the heart of Tigers hoops.

“Coach Mulkey has redefined what’s possible for women’s basketball at LSU,” LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward said in the release. “From the moment she arrived, she brought an intensity, vision, and championship mindset that has elevated our program to national prominence. This statue is a testament to her historic accomplishments and the indelible mark she continues to leave on our university.”Mulkey’s journey from Louisiana native to coaching icon is as compelling as it is legendary. Born in Santa Ana, California, and raised in Hammond, Louisiana, she became a standout point guard at Louisiana Tech, leading the Lady Techsters to two national championships in 1981 and 1982. She was also a gold medalist on the 1984 U.S. Olympic team.

After serving as an assistant and associate head coach at Louisiana Tech, Mulkey took over as head coach at Baylor in 2000. Over the next two decades, she built Baylor into a powerhouse, capturing three NCAA titles (2005, 2012, 2019) and establishing herself as one of the most accomplished coaches in basketball history.

When Mulkey made the shocking decision to return to her home state and take the reins at LSU in 2021, it marked the beginning of a new era for Tigers basketball.

In just her second season at LSU, Mulkey led the Tigers to a national championship in 2023, the first in program history. That team, led by dynamic stars like Angel Reese, Alexis Morris, and Flau’jae Johnson, captivated the country with its swagger, grit, and fearless play. LSU’s 102-85 victory over Iowa in the title game not only delivered a championship—it redefined the narrative of what women’s basketball could be.

The game drew record-breaking television ratings and national attention, with Mulkey’s sideline presence—flashy outfits, fiery passion, and fearless coaching—becoming a symbol of LSU’s rise. The 2023 title brought Mulkey’s total to four NCAA championships, tying her with legends such as Pat Summitt and Geno Auriemma for most all-time among women’s coaches.

“She’s more than a coach,” said Angel Reese in an interview following the announcement. “She’s a leader, a motivator, a mentor, and a role model for all of us. Having her statue outside the arena is perfect because everything starts with her.”

While Mulkey’s coaching record is staggering—over 700 career wins, multiple Coach of the Year honors, and consistent postseason dominance—her influence at LSU extends far beyond the hardwood.

She has helped spark a cultural renaissance in Baton Rouge, drawing sellout crowds to the PMAC and bringing national attention to LSU women’s basketball in a way that was previously unimaginable. Under her leadership, the program has embraced a bold, unapologetic identity that resonates with fans across generations.

Mulkey has also been a vocal advocate for investment in women’s sports. From NIL deals to improved facilities, she has pushed LSU and the NCAA to level the playing field for female athletes.

“She’s elevated the expectations,” said LSU President William F. Tate IV. “Kim Mulkey came here to win, but she’s also changed the way we think about women’s athletics. This statue isn’t just for her—it’s for every young girl in Louisiana who dreams of doing something great.”

The statue, currently in the design phase, will be sculpted by an artist selected by a university-led committee. It will capture Mulkey in her signature coaching attire, animated on the sideline, exuding intensity and determination. A plaque at the base will chronicle her achievements, and there are plans for interactive digital features that will allow fans to engage with highlights from her career.

The location—at the main entrance of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center—was chosen to ensure that Mulkey’s legacy is the first thing visitors encounter when attending LSU basketball games.

“This placement sends a message,” said Associate Athletic Director Miriam Segar. “It tells everyone who walks through those doors that greatness lives here.”

The announcement drew praise from across the college basketball world. Dawn Staley, head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks and a longtime rival, shared her congratulations on social media.

“Well deserved,” Staley posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Kim has done things her way and brought a championship mindset wherever she’s gone. A true legend.”

ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo called the statue “a fitting tribute to one of the game’s true originals,” while former Baylor star Brittney Griner, who won a national title under Mulkey in 2012, called the honor “overdue.”

“I’m grateful to have played for someone who believed in me and pushed me every day,” Griner said. “No one competes like Coach Mulkey.”

At just 62 years old, Mulkey shows no signs of slowing down. She recently signed a contract extension through 2031, solidifying her long-term commitment to LSU. With one national championship already secured and several top recruiting classes on the horizon, the Tigers are poised to remain contenders under her leadership.

The statue announcement serves as both a reflection of past accomplishments and a promise of what’s to come.

“This isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning,” Mulkey said during a press conference addressing the statue. “I didn’t come back to Louisiana to rest on my laurels. I came to build something special. And we’re just getting started.”

For LSU fans, Mulkey represents more than just wins. She’s a homegrown hero who returned to her roots and reignited pride in a program that had long searched for its place among the elite.

Her ability to connect with players, energize fans, and embrace pressure has made her one of the most beloved figures in the state. Whether she’s fighting for her team, speaking her mind, or celebrating with her signature hug-and-jump routine after a big win, Kim Mulkey is LSU through and through.

“Coach Mulkey embodies everything great about Louisiana—passion, perseverance, and pride,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “We are proud to call her one of our own.”

The installation of a statue is one of the highest honors a university can bestow. For Kim Mulkey, it is a symbol of a life devoted to the game, to her players, and to the state she calls home. As the LSU women’s basketball program continues to soar to new heights, the statue will stand as a daily reminder of the coach who believed greatness wasn’t just possible—but inevitable.

When fans pass by the statue on game days, they won’t just see a bronze figure. They’ll see the spirit of a champion, a leader who dared to dream big—and who made the entire state of Louisiana believe right along with her.