ESPN REPORTS – LSU’s Kim Mulkey Makes History, Receives Prestigious National Coach of the Year Award
In yet another crowning achievement to an already legendary coaching career, Kim Mulkey, the charismatic and commanding head coach of the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team, has officially been named National Coach of the Year, according to a groundbreaking ESPN report released today.
The prestigious honor, awarded annually to the most outstanding leader in women’s college basketball, recognizes Mulkey’s remarkable impact on the LSU program, her relentless pursuit of excellence, and her role in elevating women’s basketball into the national spotlight. This marks yet another historic moment for the fiery coach who has built a dynasty in Baton Rouge since her arrival in 2021.
A Season of Dominance
Mulkey guided her Tigers through one of the most thrilling and competitive seasons in program history. Despite the intense pressure of defending their 2023 national title, her squad showcased poise, resilience, and championship-caliber play throughout the year. With a record of 31-3, LSU dominated the SEC, racking up marquee wins and maintaining a consistent Top-5 national ranking.
Under her leadership, stars like Angel Reese, Hailey Van Lith, and Flau’jae Johnson flourished, combining elite athleticism with unshakable chemistry and purpose. Mulkey’s ability to unite top-tier talent from around the country and shape them into a cohesive, unstoppable force has become a signature trait of her coaching style.
More Than a Coach – A Cultural Icon
Kim Mulkey isn’t just a coach—she’s a phenomenon. Her trademark sideline fashion statements, blunt press conference soundbites, and larger-than-life personality have made her one of the most talked-about figures in all of college athletics. But beneath the glitz and glamor is a tactical mastermind and a motivator like no other.
Mulkey’s coaching resume now includes four national championships, numerous SEC titles, and countless individual accolades. She is the only coach in NCAA history to win national titles at two different programs—Baylor and LSU. And now, with the 2024 National Coach of the Year title added to her accolades, her legacy has been solidified among the greatest ever.
Reactions from the Sports World
Following the ESPN announcement, reactions poured in across the sports world. LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward praised the decision:
“Kim Mulkey is the heart and soul of our women’s basketball program. Her vision, her intensity, and her love for LSU make her one of a kind.”
Analysts like Rebecca Lobo and Stephen A. Smith applauded her ability to galvanize players and fans alike, with Smith calling her “the most electrifying coach in college sports right now—bar none.”
What’s Next for the Queen of the Court?
With the nation’s No. 2 recruiting class already signed for 2025 and a culture of excellence deeply entrenched, the future of LSU women’s basketball under Mulkey looks even brighter. And with this latest honor, Kim Mulkey has proven once again that her reign is far from over.
In the words of the coach herself:
“I don’t do this for the trophies. I do it for the players, for LSU, and for the love of the game. But this? This is pretty special.”
Indeed it is, Coach. And the world is watching.
