Crowning Glory: Kim Mulkey Is Named As The… see… more 

Baton Rouge, LA — In a momentous celebration of leadership, resilience, and athletic excellence, LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey has been named Louisiana’s Top Collegiate Coach, a prestigious honor recognizing her unparalleled contribution to the state’s sports legacy. The award comes on the heels of Mulkey guiding the LSU Tigers to their first-ever NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship in April 2023 — a triumph that electrified not only the campus of Louisiana State University but also the entire nation.

Kim Mulkey, a Hall of Fame coach and Louisiana native, has long been recognized as one of the most decorated and dynamic figures in collegiate basketball. Her most recent feat — leading LSU to the pinnacle of women’s college basketball — has now solidified her place as a sporting icon in her home state. The award was announced during a ceremony honoring the state’s top athletes and coaches, where Mulkey received a standing ovation from fans, peers, and former players.

“What Kim Mulkey has accomplished in such a short time at LSU is nothing short of phenomenal,” said LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward. “She’s elevated not just our women’s basketball program, but the entire profile of LSU athletics. This recognition is well-deserved.”

Mulkey took over the LSU program in 2021, inheriting a team that had struggled in recent years. In just her second season, she orchestrated one of the most impressive turnarounds in NCAA history. The Tigers finished the 2022-2023 season with a dazzling 34-2 record and marched through the NCAA Tournament with grit, passion, and style — culminating in a commanding 102-85 victory over Iowa in the championship game.

The championship win was a landmark event for LSU, marking the university’s first national title in women’s basketball and further cementing Mulkey’s legacy as a program builder. It also made her the first coach in history to win national titles at two different schools, having previously led Baylor University to three championships.

Mulkey’s fiery personality, trademark fashion, and intense coaching style have made her a beloved — and sometimes polarizing — figure in the sport. But there is no denying her results. Her ability to inspire players and build a championship culture has made her a transformative figure in women’s college basketball.

“This award isn’t just about me — it’s about my players, my staff, and everyone who believed in what we were building at LSU,” Mulkey said during her acceptance speech. “Louisiana is my home, and to be recognized in this way means everything to me. We’re just getting started.”

In addition to her on-court success, Mulkey has been credited with reinvigorating fan interest in LSU women’s basketball. Attendance at games has soared, national media attention has grown, and young athletes across the state are now dreaming of wearing purple and gold.

As Louisiana celebrates its top collegiate coach, Kim Mulkey’s impact continues to ripple beyond the hardwood. With recruiting momentum building and a powerhouse roster returning next season, the Tigers are poised to remain a dominant force in women’s college basketball.

In the ever-evolving world of sports, few figures capture both headlines and hearts. Kim Mulkey has done both — and with a championship ring shining on her finger, she’s not done yet.