LSU Shocks the Sports World as Kim Mulkey Becomes First Woman in Tigers Basketball History to Be Immortalized With a Bronze Statue
In a moment that will echo through the annals of collegiate sports history, Louisiana State University unveiled a towering bronze statue of Kim Mulkey—head coach of the LSU women’s basketball team—solidifying her legacy as not only a championship-winning coach but a transformative figure in the realm of college athletics. The statue, placed just outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, marks the first time a woman from the Tigers basketball program has received such an honor.
The statue stands eight feet tall, capturing Mulkey mid-roar, fists clenched, blazer flying open—a tribute to her electric courtside presence. Sculpted by renowned artist Angela Gregory III, the statue immortalizes not only a figure but a philosophy: relentless drive, unapologetic passion, and a refusal to accept mediocrity.
Mulkey arrived at LSU in 2021, inheriting a struggling program. By 2023, she had led the Lady Tigers to a stunning NCAA championship, their first in school history. With her trademark glitz, gold jackets, and fierce scowl, Mulkey transformed LSU into a powerhouse, reinvigorating the fan base and redefining what success looked like in Baton Rouge.
“It’s not just a statue,” said LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward at the unveiling, his voice quivering. “It’s a symbol of what happens when fearless leadership meets unmatched dedication. Coach Mulkey didn’t just win games—she built a legacy of belief.”
Beyond the wins—over 700 career victories and four national titles—Mulkey’s influence radiates through the broader culture of women’s sports. Her tenure at LSU has sparked a surge in ticket sales, TV ratings, and recruiting strength, helping to elevate the SEC and women’s college basketball at large. She’s not just a coach; she’s a movement.
Former players gathered to witness the unveiling, many with tears in their eyes. Angel Reese, star of the 2023 championship team, called Mulkey “the standard for greatness.” “She challenged us to be more than athletes,” Reese said. “To see her immortalized like this—it makes us all stand taller.”
Critics once dismissed her boldness, her animated coaching style, her flashy fashion. Today, those very traits are carved in bronze.
The base of the statue bears her words: “You don’t apologize for chasing greatness.” It serves as a message to every girl walking past: greatness is not given—it’s seized.
In the heart of Baton Rouge, under Louisiana’s blazing sun, Kim Mulkey’s statue glows like a beacon. It’s more than a tribute. It’s a promise—that courage, conviction, and championship vision will always have a place at LSU.
