Kim Mulkey: A Trailblazer in Women’s Basketball
Kim Mulkey, the head coach of the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team, has etched her name into the annals of basketball history. Not only is she one of the most successful coaches in the sport, but she has also accomplished something that no other female player or coach has done before: winning both the Lisa Leslie Award and the Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Award in the same season. This incredible achievement solidifies Mulkey’s place among the legends of women’s basketball. But her success story extends far beyond this milestone, serving as an inspiration to players, coaches, and fans alike.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Kim Mulkey’s journey to greatness began long before she became a celebrated coach. Born in 1962 in Hoschton, Georgia, Mulkey’s passion for basketball started at a young age. She was known for her fierce competitiveness and skill on the court, qualities that would become hallmarks of her career. Mulkey attended Tift County High School, where she showcased her potential as a standout player, drawing the attention of college scouts.
Her remarkable talent and drive earned her a scholarship to play at Louisiana Tech University, where she would later achieve nationwide fame. At Louisiana Tech, Mulkey played under the tutelage of legendary coach Leon Barmore. There, she quickly became a key figure on the team, helping lead the Lady Techsters to several championships. Over her college career, Mulkey developed into one of the top players in the country, eventually becoming a two-time All-American.
Her prowess as a point guard did not go unnoticed. Mulkey was instrumental in Louisiana Tech’s success, playing a crucial role in the team’s NCAA title run in 1988. That victory marked a defining moment in Mulkey’s playing career and cemented her as a force to be reckoned with in women’s basketball.
Playing Career Highlights
As a player, Kim Mulkey was recognized for her exceptional leadership, basketball IQ, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. She was a key figure in Louisiana Tech’s success during the late 1980s, and her achievements were eventually rewarded with numerous accolades. The highlight of her playing career came in 1988 when she was named a member of the NCAA Tournament All-Tournament Team, helping lead her team to the national championship.
However, it was not only her individual achievements that set her apart. Mulkey’s leadership qualities were evident as she helped to shape the Lady Techsters into one of the most dominant programs in the country. Her ability to elevate the play of her teammates made her one of the most respected players in the history of the NCAA.
After completing her college career, Mulkey went on to have a brief but impactful stint in professional basketball, playing for the Texas and the Colorado teams in the Women’s Professional Basketball League (WBL). However, it was clear that her true calling was in coaching, and in 2000, she would begin a new chapter that would see her rise to the pinnacle of success.
Coaching Career: A New Era for Women’s Basketball
Kim Mulkey’s coaching career began in earnest in 2000 when she took the helm at Baylor University as the head coach of the women’s basketball team. It didn’t take long for Mulkey to make her mark in the world of coaching. In her first year as head coach, Mulkey led Baylor to a 19-11 record and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament, an impressive feat for a first-year coach.
However, it was in subsequent years that Mulkey truly solidified her legacy. Under her leadership, Baylor became a powerhouse in women’s college basketball. The team consistently reached the NCAA Tournament, and Mulkey quickly became known for her ability to develop players both on and off the court.
One of the most significant moments in Mulkey’s career came in 2005, when she led the Baylor Bears to their first-ever NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship. The victory was a testament to Mulkey’s coaching brilliance, her ability to recruit top talent, and her exceptional ability to build championship teams. This victory made Mulkey the first woman to win a national title as a head coach in her first 5 years as a head coach, a feat that further exemplified her exceptional coaching ability.
Mulkey’s success at Baylor was not a flash in the pan. She would go on to win a total of three NCAA Championships as the head coach at Baylor, with her last coming in 2019. Her tenure at Baylor also saw her accumulate several Big 12 Conference titles, and she was consistently recognized as one of the top coaches in the nation.
Her reputation as a coach transcended her individual championships. Mulkey’s teams were known for their tenacious defense, high basketball IQ, and unyielding work ethic. She was the epitome of a “player’s coach,” someone who not only understood the game but also knew how to connect with her players and help them reach their full potential.
Kim Mulkey’s Move to LSU
In 2021, Mulkey made the bold decision to leave Baylor, taking over as head coach at Louisiana State University (LSU). It was a move that shocked many in the basketball world, but Mulkey was undeterred. She brought her wealth of experience, championship pedigree, and passion for the game to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Her arrival at LSU immediately energized the program, and Mulkey wasted no time in making her mark. She quickly began building a roster of talented players, and within her first season, Mulkey’s impact was felt as LSU made a significant jump in its performance. Under her leadership, LSU women’s basketball began to climb the ranks, signaling the beginning of a new era for the program.
However, it was in the 2024-2025 season that Mulkey truly cemented her status as one of the greatest figures in women’s basketball history. This season, Mulkey made history by becoming the first female player to win the Lisa Leslie Award and the Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Award in the same season.
The Lisa Leslie Award and Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Award
The Lisa Leslie Award is one of the most prestigious honors in women’s basketball, given annually to the best center in the country. Named after the legendary Lisa Leslie, a Hall of Fame center who is widely regarded as one of the best to ever play the game, the award celebrates the excellence of the position. While Mulkey’s role in her teams has traditionally focused on coaching and leadership, her ability to develop players in every position has been a key factor in her success.
On the other hand, the Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Award honors the top small forward in women’s college basketball. Named after Cheryl Miller, one of the greatest players to ever play the game, this award recognizes the versatility, scoring ability, and overall skill set of small forwards at the collegiate level. Both awards hold immense prestige, representing the highest standards in women’s college basketball.
In a stunning turn of events, Mulkey became the first female player to win both of these awards in the same season. This historic achievement not only underscores her coaching brilliance but also serves as a testament to the remarkable players she has helped develop over the years. By guiding her players to these prestigious honors, Mulkey has shown that her impact on the game extends far beyond her own success as a player and coach. It is a reflection of her ability to recognize and nurture exceptional talent.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Excellence
Kim Mulkey’s remarkable achievement in winning both the Lisa Leslie Award and the Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Award in the same season is just the latest chapter in a career filled with groundbreaking accomplishments. As a player, she was a force to be reckoned with, and as a coach, she has proven herself to be one of the greatest in the history of women’s basketball.
But beyond her wins, championships, and accolades, Mulkey’s legacy is one of empowerment and excellence. She has inspired countless young women to pursue their dreams in basketball and beyond, showing that with hard work, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, anything is possible.
Mulkey’s journey serves as a reminder that the road to greatness is rarely easy, but it is always worth it. Her success is a reflection of her passion for the game, her commitment to her players, and her unwavering belief in the power of sports to change lives. As she continues to lead LSU to new heights, Mulkey’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations of athletes and coaches for years to come.
In the world of women’s basketball, Kim Mulkey is not just a coach; she is a trailblazer, a mentor, and a living legend. Her history-making achievement of winning both the Lisa Leslie Award and the Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Award in the same season is a fitting reminder of her incredible impact on the game. With more milestones on the horizon, Kim Mulkey’s legacy continues to grow, inspiring the future of women’s basketball to reach new heights.