BATON ROUGE, LA – In a move that solidifies her commitment to the LSU Tigers women’s basketball program, head coach Kim Mulkey has signed a landmark 10-year contract extension. This monumental decision comes as a testament to the incredible success Mulkey has brought to the program since her arrival, further elevating LSU’s stature in women’s college basketball.
Mulkey, who took over as head coach of the Tigers in 2021, quickly turned the program into a national contender. Her leadership was pivotal in LSU’s remarkable run to the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship, marking the Tigers’ first national title in 15 years. The success was not just measured in championships but in Mulkey’s ability to build a winning culture, recruit top-tier talent, and elevate the overall visibility of LSU basketball on the national stage.
A Statement of Commitment to Excellence
The 10-year extension signals the university’s long-term investment in Mulkey, one of the most accomplished and respected coaches in the history of women’s college basketball. Mulkey’s impact on LSU has been profound, with the program experiencing a resurgence in recruiting, fan engagement, and on-court success.
“This is an exciting day for LSU, and we are proud to have Kim Mulkey lead our women’s basketball program,” said LSU Director of Athletics Scott Woodward. “Kim has proven herself to be one of the greatest coaches in the history of the game. Her dedication to excellence, her ability to develop student-athletes both on and off the court, and her commitment to bringing championships to LSU make her the perfect leader for this program.”
Mulkey’s new deal is expected to make her one of the highest-paid coaches in women’s college basketball, underscoring the importance LSU places on maintaining its competitiveness in a highly competitive landscape. The contract extension includes financial incentives tied to postseason success, attendance benchmarks, and academic achievements, further aligning Mulkey’s personal goals with the university’s mission of success on and off the court.
A Legacy of Success
Before coming to LSU, Kim Mulkey had already established herself as a legendary coach at Baylor, where she won three NCAA titles and turned the Bears into one of the most successful programs in the country. Her experience, paired with her competitive fire and unmatched basketball IQ, made her the ideal candidate to lead LSU to national prominence.
In her two years at LSU, Mulkey has already made a significant impact, transforming the program into a powerhouse in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The 2023 national title, which came in just her second season, was a crowning achievement of her vision, hard work, and relentless drive.
Not only has Mulkey been successful on the court, but her leadership has also been transformative off the court. She has elevated LSU’s recruiting, bringing in elite talent, including star players like Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson. Her ability to develop relationships with top-tier recruits, while also fostering an environment of discipline, accountability, and growth, has quickly solidified LSU as a destination program for future stars.
Building a Winning Culture
Under Mulkey, LSU has become a symbol of consistency and excellence in women’s college basketball. She is known for her disciplined coaching style, her emphasis on defense, and her ability to get the most out of her players. Her success in turning LSU into a national contender has also fueled a surge in support from the fan base, with the Pete Maravich Assembly Center regularly sold out for Tigers games.
Mulkey’s commitment to player development and her ability to motivate her team have been essential in LSU’s rise. She has not only produced top-level basketball players but has also shaped young women into leaders, both on and off the court. The culture she’s built at LSU is one of high expectations, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.
Looking to the Future
As Mulkey embarks on the next chapter of her LSU journey, the future of the Tigers women’s basketball program looks incredibly bright. With a strong recruiting class in place and a roster full of talented players, LSU is poised to remain a national contender for years to come. The contract extension provides the stability and confidence needed to continue building on the success that Mulkey has already established.
For LSU, this commitment is about more than just basketball. It’s about investing in a program that has become a source of pride for the university, the city of Baton Rouge, and the state of Louisiana. Under Kim Mulkey’s leadership, the Tigers will continue to be a force in the NCAA, competing for championships and setting the standard for excellence in women’s basketball.
With this extension, Mulkey’s legacy at LSU is now secure for the long term, and the future of the LSU women’s basketball program is in the hands of one of the game’s most successful and influential coaches.