LSU Tigers women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey won AP Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year for the third straight year

Kim Mulkey’s remarkable career as a head coach in women’s college basketball has been nothing short of spectacular. The 2024 season marked the third consecutive year in which Mulkey was named the Associated Press Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year, an extraordinary achievement that highlights not only her coaching prowess but also her consistency, leadership, and ability to build championship-caliber teams year after year. This honor speaks to the incredible success of her tenure at Louisiana State University (LSU), her mastery of strategy, and her profound impact on the sport of women’s basketball.

In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the life and career of Kim Mulkey, examining her coaching journey, accomplishments, and the unique qualities that have made her a dominant figure in women’s basketball. From her beginnings as a player to her rise as a coaching icon, Mulkey’s story is one of relentless ambition, fierce competition, and a deep commitment to the game.

Early Life and Playing Career

Kim Mulkey was born on May 17, 1962, in Hammond, Louisiana. Raised in a small town, Mulkey was an athlete from a young age, showing a strong aptitude for sports and a fierce competitive spirit. She attended the University of Louisiana at Monroe (formerly known as Northeast Louisiana University), where she played for the Lady Indians’ basketball team. It was during her time at Louisiana Tech University that Mulkey’s basketball career truly took off. She became one of the nation’s most outstanding players, earning All-American honors as a point guard.

Mulkey’s collegiate success earned her a place on the United States national basketball team, where she competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The U.S. team, coached by the legendary Pat Summitt, won the gold medal, cementing Mulkey’s status as one of the best players in the world. Her Olympic gold medal was a testament to her talent, work ethic, and commitment to excellence—a mentality she would carry into her coaching career.

After her playing days were over, Mulkey briefly pursued professional basketball but soon turned her focus to coaching, a field where she would truly leave her mark.

Transitioning to Coaching

Mulkey began her coaching career as an assistant coach at several universities before being named the head coach at Baylor University in 2000. Her tenure at Baylor proved to be a transformative period not just for the university’s basketball program, but for the sport of women’s college basketball as a whole.

At Baylor, Mulkey quickly made her mark by turning a program that had struggled in the years before her arrival into a perennial powerhouse. Under her leadership, Baylor achieved incredible success, highlighted by the Bears’ national championship win in 2005. This victory marked a defining moment in Mulkey’s career and established her as one of the most successful and innovative coaches in the game.

Mulkey’s coaching style was characterized by a no-nonsense approach that focused on defense, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her teams were always well-prepared, fundamentally sound, and fiercely competitive. This philosophy, combined with her ability to recruit top-tier talent, allowed her to build a dynasty at Baylor, where she led the Bears to multiple Big 12 titles and national championship appearances.

In 2012, Mulkey reached the pinnacle of her coaching career when she guided Baylor to a second national championship. The team finished the season undefeated, marking one of the most dominant runs in college basketball history. Mulkey’s success at Baylor was unprecedented, and it solidified her reputation as one of the greatest coaches of all time.

Moving to LSU

In 2021, Kim Mulkey made the surprising decision to leave Baylor and return to her home state of Louisiana to become the head coach of the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team. The move was seen as a bold one, as she was leaving behind a successful program at Baylor to take on the challenge of rebuilding LSU’s program into a national contender.

From the moment she arrived at LSU, Mulkey wasted no time in making her mark. The Tigers had not been a consistent powerhouse in women’s basketball in recent years, but Mulkey’s arrival signaled a new era of ambition and success. She quickly went to work, building a team that would compete at the highest levels of college basketball.

The 2022-2023 season was a breakthrough year for Mulkey and the LSU Tigers. Under her guidance, LSU finished with a 32-2 record and made an appearance in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, marking a major milestone in the program’s resurgence. The team’s success that year was built on strong defensive play, balanced offensive contributions, and Mulkey’s ability to bring the best out of her players.

The 2023-2024 season would see LSU reach new heights. The Tigers finished the season with a 33-2 record, and Mulkey’s strategic brilliance, combined with the leadership of standout players like Angel Reese, led LSU to an NCAA championship. This victory not only marked Mulkey’s first national championship at LSU but also solidified her place among the elite coaches in the history of women’s college basketball.

The AP Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year Award

Kim Mulkey’s achievement of being named the Associated Press Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year three years in a row is a testament to her excellence as a coach and leader. The award is one of the most prestigious honors in the sport, recognizing the coach who has made the most significant impact on their team and the game itself over the course of the season. For Mulkey, winning the award three times in a row is a remarkable reflection of her consistency and ability to adapt to different teams and situations while maintaining a high level of success.

The 2024 award marked the culmination of Mulkey’s efforts to transform LSU into a powerhouse of women’s basketball. Over the course of the three years, she not only guided LSU to a national championship but also helped elevate the visibility and competitiveness of women’s basketball as a whole. Mulkey’s leadership style, characterized by a deep commitment to her players, a relentless work ethic, and an unwavering belief in the potential of her teams, has earned her the respect of her peers and players alike.

Key Attributes of Kim Mulkey’s Coaching Style

Several qualities distinguish Kim Mulkey as a coach and have contributed to her sustained success. First and foremost, Mulkey is known for her fierce competitive spirit. She is relentless in her pursuit of excellence, setting high standards for her players and pushing them to achieve their full potential. This drive is contagious, motivating her players to work harder and believe in themselves even in the face of adversity.

Mulkey is also a brilliant tactician. Her teams are known for their strong defense and discipline, which is a hallmark of her coaching philosophy. She emphasizes the importance of fundamentals and details, ensuring that her teams are always prepared for whatever challenge lies ahead. This tactical acumen has been a key factor in her ability to consistently build championship-caliber teams.

Another defining trait of Mulkey’s coaching style is her ability to develop strong relationships with her players. She is known for being both tough and compassionate, holding her players accountable while also providing the support and guidance they need to succeed. This unique balance of tough love has earned her the trust and respect of countless athletes, many of whom have gone on to have successful professional careers.

Mulkey’s ability to recruit top-tier talent has also been a crucial part of her success. She has an eye for spotting players who fit into her system and who have the potential to be great. This skill has allowed her to build teams that are not only talented but also cohesive and motivated to work together toward a common goal.

The Impact of Mulkey’s Success on Women’s Basketball

Kim Mulkey’s success as a coach has had a profound impact on women’s basketball, both on and off the court. Through her achievements, she has helped elevate the profile of women’s college basketball and inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams of playing at the highest levels of the sport.

Mulkey’s success has also had a ripple effect on the broader landscape of women’s sports. Her ability to break barriers, build championship-winning teams, and lead with integrity has made her a role model for future generations of women athletes and coaches. Her success is a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, anything is possible.

Kim Mulkey’s remarkable coaching career, capped off by three consecutive Associated Press Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year awards, serves as a testament to her exceptional leadership and impact on women’s college basketball. From her playing days to her rise as one of the most successful coaches in the history of the game, Mulkey’s legacy is one of dominance, innovation, and unyielding determination.

Her success at LSU has not only transformed the Tigers into a national powerhouse but has also further cemented her place among the greatest coaches in the history of women’s basketball. As she continues to build on her already impressive legacy, Kim Mulkey’s influence on the sport will undoubtedly be felt for many years to come.