BATON ROUGE, LA – LSU Women’s Basketball Head Coach Kim Mulkey Makes History with Unprecedented Double Victory
In a groundbreaking achievement that is sure to be remembered for years to come, LSU Tigers women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey has made history by becoming the first woman ever to win both the Lisa Leslie Award and the Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Award in the same season. This unprecedented double victory solidifies Mulkey’s position as one of the most accomplished and trailblazing coaches in college basketball.
The historic achievement comes on the heels of a stellar season for LSU’s women’s basketball program, which has been building momentum under Mulkey’s leadership. The recognition of Mulkey’s coaching excellence with such prestigious individual awards speaks volumes about the impact she’s had on the Tigers’ success and the broader landscape of college women’s basketball.
The Lisa Leslie Award and Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Award: A Historic First
The Lisa Leslie Award and the Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Award are two of the most coveted honors in women’s college basketball, named after two of the sport’s most iconic players. The Lisa Leslie Award, named for the legendary center and Olympic gold medalist, is given annually to the top player in women’s college basketball. Meanwhile, the Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Award honors the best small forward in the nation, and it is named for Miller, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
Mulkey’s win of both awards in the same season is unprecedented, as no other coach has achieved this level of recognition in women’s college basketball. To add further significance, Mulkey’s LSU Tigers are in the midst of a championship-caliber season, and her leadership has played a pivotal role in bringing out the best in her players. This double victory highlights the excellence of Mulkey’s coaching and the overall growth of the LSU program under her stewardship.
The Impact of Kim Mulkey’s Leadership at LSU
Kim Mulkey’s journey at LSU has been nothing short of remarkable. After taking over as head coach in 2021, Mulkey quickly made her mark on the program, leading the Tigers to national prominence in a short period of time. Known for her intensity, focus, and exceptional basketball IQ, Mulkey has transformed LSU into a perennial powerhouse in women’s college basketball.
This historic double award recognition further underscores her immense contributions to the LSU program. Under Mulkey’s guidance, LSU has flourished, combining a strong defense-first mentality with an explosive offense that has made them one of the most feared teams in the country. Her ability to develop talent, inspire her players, and manage the pressures of high-level competition has been crucial to the team’s success.
One of the standout features of Mulkey’s coaching philosophy is her emphasis on developing well-rounded players. Her approach to building team chemistry, fostering individual growth, and creating a culture of excellence has translated into strong performances across the board. Mulkey’s success at LSU has also reflected her ability to recruit top talent, making LSU a prime destination for elite players in women’s college basketball.
The Tigers’ Rise to Prominence
The LSU Tigers have long been a competitive force in women’s college basketball, but under Mulkey’s leadership, they’ve reached new heights. In just a few seasons, Mulkey has brought the Tigers to the forefront of national conversation, with the program making deep runs in the NCAA Tournament and competing for conference titles.
At the heart of LSU’s rise is Mulkey’s ability to integrate top-tier talent into a system that thrives on discipline and execution. One key component of LSU’s success has been the development of star players like Angel Reese, who is a front-runner for National Player of the Year honors, and Flau’jae Johnson, whose skills have flourished under Mulkey’s tutelage. These players are a testament to Mulkey’s coaching prowess and her ability to get the most out of her roster.
Mulkey’s success at LSU has not only raised the profile of the program but has also elevated women’s basketball in the SEC and nationally. Her vision for LSU has made the Tigers one of the most exciting and dominant teams in the country, and Mulkey’s ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of college basketball has been key to the program’s continued growth.
Kim Mulkey’s Legacy and Historic Achievements
This historic recognition is just the latest chapter in an already legendary career for Kim Mulkey. Before her time at LSU, Mulkey enjoyed a storied coaching career at Baylor University, where she became one of the most successful coaches in NCAA women’s basketball history. She led the Baylor Bears to three national championships and multiple Final Four appearances, establishing herself as one of the greatest coaches of her generation.
Mulkey’s success at LSU, combined with her unprecedented double victory of the Lisa Leslie Award and Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Award, only further cements her legacy as one of the greatest minds in women’s college basketball. She has broken barriers, reshaped programs, and elevated the status of women’s basketball to new heights. Her ability to recruit, develop players, and lead teams to success is unparalleled, and her continued success at LSU is a testament to her brilliance as a coach.
What’s Next for LSU and Kim Mulkey?
As LSU continues to build on its success under Kim Mulkey, the future looks incredibly bright for the Tigers. The combination of experienced players, elite recruits, and Mulkey’s leadership gives LSU a strong foundation for continued dominance in the SEC and on the national stage. With a deep and talented roster, LSU is poised to contend for more championships in the years to come.
Mulkey’s commitment to excellence and her ability to inspire her players are key reasons why LSU is so successful. She has created a culture of winning, and her achievements as a coach—both with Baylor and LSU—speak to her unmatched ability to guide teams to the highest levels of success. The Tigers are clearly on a trajectory toward sustained greatness under her leadership, and Mulkey’s historic achievements are just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable era in LSU women’s basketball.
A Milestone for Kim Mulkey and LSU Women’s Basketball
Kim Mulkey’s unprecedented victory in winning both the Lisa Leslie Award and the Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Award in the same season is a monumental achievement that will go down in the history books. This double victory serves as a testament to Mulkey’s coaching genius, her ability to develop top talent, and her leadership in building one of the most formidable programs in women’s college basketball.
As LSU continues to thrive under Mulkey’s guidance, the Tigers are poised for even greater success in the coming seasons. With a program that has already achieved so much under Mulkey’s leadership, there’s no telling just how far LSU women’s basketball can go. For Mulkey, this historic achievement adds to her already incredible legacy, further solidifying her place among the greatest coaches in the history of women’s sports.