Breaking: After winning AP Coach of the Year, LSU Tigers women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey overcomes her emotions

Kim Mulkey has long been recognized as a towering figure in the world of women’s college basketball, and her remarkable journey has reached another extraordinary milestone. After leading the LSU Tigers to unparalleled success in her second season as head coach, Mulkey was awarded the prestigious AP Coach of the Year honor. Known for her fiery intensity and unwavering commitment to excellence, Mulkey’s path to this accolade has been filled with triumphs, setbacks, and moments of personal and professional reflection.

On the heels of her latest success, Kim Mulkey took a moment to reflect on the weight of the recognition, acknowledging both the challenges and the emotions that have defined her career. This achievement is not just a testament to her coaching acumen but also a reflection of her ability to inspire, challenge, and transform the young women under her leadership. Yet, as she overcame her emotions during the press conference, the deeper layers of Mulkey’s journey were laid bare, revealing the complexity of her passion for the game, her team, and the lasting impact she hopes to leave on women’s sports.

The Road to AP Coach of the Year

Kim Mulkey’s journey to the AP Coach of the Year award is not one that came easily or quickly. A two-time NCAA national champion as a player with Louisiana Tech and a legendary coach with Baylor University, where she won three national championships and became the winningest coach in the history of the program, Mulkey’s decision to leave the comfort and familiarity of Baylor for LSU was a bold one. She made it clear from the outset that she was not interested in taking the easy road; she wanted to build something special in Baton Rouge.

When Mulkey was hired as LSU’s head coach in April 2021, the Tigers program was in a state of transition. Though LSU had a storied history in women’s basketball, the team had not reached the heights of its past glory for some time. The expectations placed on Mulkey were high, but so was her confidence. She didn’t hesitate to reshape the program to her vision.

Mulkey’s ability to recruit top-tier talent, her relentless work ethic, and her focus on discipline and execution immediately began to show results. Under her leadership, LSU quickly became one of the top teams in the nation. Mulkey’s second season in charge was marked by a deep, talented roster that played with intensity, cohesion, and a sense of purpose. Her guiding hand was felt every step of the way, and the team thrived under her tutelage. The Tigers made a run to the Final Four, and Mulkey’s signature coaching style shone through in their performances on the court. It was no surprise when she was named AP Coach of the Year.

A Coach Who Demands Excellence

For those familiar with Kim Mulkey’s coaching style, it’s clear that she is a coach who demands excellence — from her players, her staff, and herself. Her intensity is both her trademark and her fuel. She often pushes her players to their limits, holding them accountable for every move, every decision, and every moment they spend on the court. In return, Mulkey receives fierce loyalty and respect from her athletes, who understand that her drive is not just about winning, but about making them the best versions of themselves.

Mulkey’s tough-love approach has produced results at every level, whether it was during her time at Baylor, where she turned the Bears into a perennial powerhouse, or now at LSU, where she has already had an immediate and profound impact. But with the AP Coach of the Year award, it’s clear that the basketball world is recognizing not only her commitment to winning but her deep understanding of how to lead and mold her players.

She’s a master of preparation, of strategy, and of execution. Her teams always seem to play with a purpose, and there’s a clear sense of structure and discipline in everything they do. Mulkey is the first to acknowledge that coaching is not just about X’s and O’s — it’s about developing young women who can thrive in life both on and off the court. For Mulkey, the relationships she builds with her players are just as important as the wins and losses.

The Emotional Moment

Despite her reputation as a fierce competitor, Mulkey’s emotions ran high during the announcement of her AP Coach of the Year award. As she spoke, it was clear that the weight of this achievement — her second Coach of the Year award in just two years at LSU — was a significant moment in her life.

Mulkey admitted that it wasn’t easy to put into words how much this honor meant to her. Her eyes welled with tears as she acknowledged the hard work and sacrifices made by her players, coaches, and support staff. She spoke of the long hours, the struggles, the moments of doubt, and the tireless effort that had led to the team’s success. But more than that, she spoke of the pride she felt in seeing her players grow, not just as basketball players but as people.

“I’m proud of what we’ve built here at LSU, but I’m even prouder of the women these young athletes are becoming,” Mulkey said, her voice breaking with emotion. “This award isn’t just for me. It’s for every person who’s been a part of this journey.”

This emotional outpouring spoke to Mulkey’s authenticity and vulnerability, two traits that are often overshadowed by her fiery exterior. Beneath the tough coaching persona is a woman who is deeply committed to her players’ success and well-being. She cares deeply about the lives she shapes, and it is that passion that has propelled her career to such heights.

The Importance of Representation

In her speech, Mulkey also took a moment to reflect on the significance of her career in the context of women’s sports. As one of the few women to win multiple national championships as both a player and a coach, Mulkey is a trailblazer. She is proud to represent women in coaching and to serve as an example for the next generation of female athletes and coaches.

“I know what it means to see women in leadership roles in sports, and I want these young athletes to know they can do anything they set their minds to,” Mulkey said. “I didn’t have many women to look up to when I was growing up. But now, I want to be a role model for young girls who dream of being coaches or players. This is for them too.”

Mulkey’s message of empowerment resonates deeply, especially at a time when women’s sports are gaining more visibility and respect. Her success has helped elevate the profile of women’s basketball, and her leadership at LSU is part of a broader movement to ensure that women are recognized for their talents and contributions at the highest levels of sports.

Looking Ahead

While Mulkey’s success is worthy of celebration, she remains focused on the future. For her, winning Coach of the Year is a recognition of the past season’s success, but it is not the end goal. Mulkey’s drive is always forward-focused. She is already thinking about what comes next for LSU and how she can continue to push her players to new heights.

“We’ve built something special here, but we’re not done yet,” Mulkey said. “There’s more work to be done, and we’ll keep pushing each other to be the best. This is just the beginning.”

For LSU, Mulkey’s leadership represents a new era in women’s basketball — one marked by discipline, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her legacy is already being written, and the future looks incredibly bright for both her and the Tigers.

Kim Mulkey’s emotional response to winning the AP Coach of the Year award is a reminder that behind every success is a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and personal growth. Mulkey’s coaching career has been defined by her passion for the game, her commitment to her players, and her unyielding belief in the power of hard work. As she continues to build something special at LSU, it is clear that her influence will be felt for years to come — both on and off the basketball court.

As she stands at the pinnacle of her career, Mulkey’s message is simple but powerful: success is not just about the wins, the awards, or the accolades. It’s about the lives you touch along the way, the lessons you impart, and the example you set for others to follow. For Kim Mulkey, the real reward lies in the impact she has on the young women she coaches and the legacy she is building for the future of women’s sports.