Seimone Augustus Takes the Helm as LSU Women’s Basketball Director of Player Development
BATON ROUGE, La. – In a monumental shift for LSU Tigers women’s basketball, the program has officially announced the appointment of Seimone Augustus as its new Director of Player Development. For LSU fans, this appointment is a significant moment in the team’s ongoing commitment to excellence and growth in women’s college basketball. Seimone Augustus, one of the greatest players in LSU history, returns to the school where she left an indelible mark as a player and has since built a legendary career in the WNBA.
This move holds a dual significance. Not only does it bring back one of LSU’s finest athletes, but it also reflects the university’s continued effort to foster the next generation of players both on and off the court. Augustus’s appointment signals a future that blends her leadership, basketball acumen, and unparalleled experience as both a player and a coach.
A Legacy of Excellence
Seimone Augustus’s legacy in Baton Rouge is nothing short of remarkable. Her journey with the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team began in 2002, where she quickly became one of the standout stars of the program. During her time with the Tigers, Augustus led the team to multiple NCAA tournaments and solidified her place as one of the best players to ever don the LSU uniform. Her contributions on the court were monumental, culminating in her securing the 2006 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Most Outstanding Player award, helping lead LSU to the Final Four that year.
Her accolades at LSU were numerous, including being named to the All-SEC First Team and earning multiple NCAA All-American honors. Augustus’s impact on the Tigers’ success during her tenure cannot be overstated, and she quickly became a symbol of the program’s strength, discipline, and resilience.
However, it wasn’t just her performance that made her a standout player; it was her leadership, work ethic, and ability to elevate her teammates that truly set her apart. These qualities would go on to shape her professional career as well, where she became one of the WNBA’s most dominant players.
A Hall of Fame Career
After leaving LSU, Augustus’s professional career took off. She was selected first overall in the 2006 WNBA Draft by the Minnesota Lynx, and it didn’t take long for her to make a significant impact at the professional level. Augustus became a cornerstone of the Lynx franchise, leading them to multiple WNBA championships and earning WNBA All-Star honors on several occasions.
Throughout her 15-year career, Augustus established herself as one of the greatest players in WNBA history. Her scoring ability, basketball IQ, and leadership skills were second to none, and she helped lead the Lynx to four WNBA championships (2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017). Her consistency, clutch performances, and reputation as a winner earned her the respect of players, coaches, and fans alike.
In addition to her on-court success, Augustus earned a place on the WNBA’s All-Decade Team and was inducted into the WNBA Hall of Fame in 2021. This recognition cemented her legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of the league. But even as her playing career came to an end, Augustus’s love for basketball and her desire to help young players reach their full potential continued to grow.
Returning Home: A Natural Fit for Director of Player Development
The role of Director of Player Development at LSU women’s basketball is one that perfectly suits Augustus’s talents and background. Having excelled as both a player and a leader, she is uniquely positioned to guide and mentor the Tigers’ current and future athletes. Her wealth of experience at the highest levels of basketball, combined with her passion for developing talent, makes her a perfect fit for this position.
As the Director of Player Development, Augustus will focus on various aspects of the players’ growth, both on and off the court. This includes skill development, leadership training, and mental toughness—qualities that were key to her own success. She will work closely with head coach Kim Mulkey to help shape the team’s future and ensure that LSU continues to build on its status as one of the premier women’s basketball programs in the country.
The timing of Augustus’s return to LSU is significant, as the program has been on an upward trajectory under Mulkey’s leadership. In just two seasons, Mulkey has transformed LSU into a national contender, and Augustus’s presence will only enhance the team’s overall development. With Augustus now on staff, LSU fans can expect an even more exciting future, with players being molded into not just skilled basketball players, but also well-rounded athletes prepared for success in every facet of life.
An Influence on the Next Generation
One of the most exciting aspects of Augustus’s new role is her potential influence on the next generation of women’s basketball players. As a player, she was an example of resilience, leadership, and excellence, all qualities that she can now impart to the Tigers’ current roster.
For the incoming and current players, having a Hall of Famer in their corner will be an invaluable resource. Augustus can offer insights into the mindset needed to succeed at the highest levels of competition, whether it’s in college basketball, the WNBA, or even beyond. Her experience and knowledge of the game are unmatched, and her mentorship could be a game-changer for LSU’s players, both on and off the court.
Moreover, Augustus’s appointment serves as an inspiration for young athletes across the country. It shows that women’s basketball is not just about talent—it’s about hard work, dedication, and finding ways to give back to the sport. Augustus’s commitment to the growth and development of players will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the LSU program and the broader women’s basketball community.
Building a Winning Culture
Under the leadership of Kim Mulkey, LSU women’s basketball has experienced a renaissance in recent years. The program has established itself as one of the best in the country, and Augustus’s return is a natural progression in the team’s ongoing evolution. Together with Mulkey, Augustus will work to further solidify LSU’s position as a powerhouse in women’s basketball.
In her new role, Augustus will likely work closely with the Tigers’ coaching staff to implement programs and initiatives that promote not only athletic excellence but also academic success, mental well-being, and community engagement. These factors all contribute to creating a positive and supportive environment that enables players to thrive in all aspects of their lives.
This cultural development will be vital as LSU continues to recruit some of the nation’s top talent. The combination of Mulkey’s proven track record as a coach and Augustus’s ability to help players reach their potential will make LSU a desirable destination for top recruits.
Looking Ahead
The future of LSU women’s basketball looks incredibly bright with Seimone Augustus now in a leadership position. Her return to Baton Rouge is a full-circle moment for both the program and the player herself. Augustus has long been an ambassador for LSU, and her involvement with the program will undoubtedly make the Tigers even stronger.
Fans are eagerly anticipating how her guidance and experience will shape the next generation of players. Whether it’s through player development, recruitment, or community outreach, Augustus’s impact will undoubtedly be felt far beyond the basketball court.
As the LSU Tigers continue to chase national championships and build on their rich history, one thing is clear: with Seimone Augustus leading the charge in player development, the program is in exceptional hands. LSU fans and players alike are ready for the next chapter in this legendary program, and they couldn’t have asked for a better guide than Seimone Augustus.