In the world of women’s college basketball, dominance isn’t just about the wins—it’s about the legacy, the leadership, and the consistency that shapes a program into a powerhouse. On that note, history was made once again today as LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey was named the Associated Press Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year for the third consecutive season. This historic recognition not only underscores her strategic brilliance but also places her firmly among the greatest coaching minds in basketball history—men’s or women’s.
Mulkey’s third straight Coach of the Year honor from the AP is a feat never before accomplished in women’s college basketball. It speaks volumes about the profound impact she continues to have on the LSU program, as well as the sport as a whole. With her trademark intensity, fierce passion, and unrelenting drive, Mulkey has transformed the Tigers into one of the most feared and respected programs in the country. She didn’t just inherit talent—she cultivated a winning culture, redefined expectations, and demanded excellence every step of the way.
This season, much like the last two, was marked by Mulkey’s ability to navigate pressure, manage egos, and rally her team through adversity. Even as the Tigers battled injuries, roster changes, and relentless scrutiny under the national spotlight, Mulkey remained the steady force at the helm, guiding her players with equal parts discipline and love. Her impact went far beyond X’s and O’s; she led a group of young women to grow not just as athletes, but as leaders, competitors, and individuals.
The 2024-25 season was one of resilience and redemption for LSU. After winning the national championship in 2023 and falling short of a repeat title in 2024, many wondered if the magic was waning. Critics questioned if the Tigers could sustain their dominance amid the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics, especially with the emergence of powerhouse programs in the Big Ten, ACC, and Pac-12. But Mulkey didn’t flinch. She doubled down, refined her system, and returned to the fundamentals that built her success. The result? Another deep tournament run, another SEC title, and another season of signature moments that showcased her tactical genius.
Behind the scenes, Mulkey’s commitment to her players and her craft remained unmatched. Whether it was long nights in the film room, early-morning practices, or late-night conversations with players navigating NIL challenges, academic responsibilities, or personal struggles, Mulkey was there. She has always believed in coaching the whole person, not just the athlete—and her players buy into that vision. That’s why they run through walls for her. That’s why they stay in Baton Rouge when the transfer portal beckons. That’s why, year after year, LSU is in the national conversation.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Mulkey’s run is the evolution of her coaching style. Known earlier in her career for a more rigid, old-school approach, she has shown a willingness to adapt to the modern game and its changing dynamics. She’s embraced analytics, empowered her assistants, and learned how to manage the complexities of today’s student-athlete experience. That growth has allowed her to stay ahead of the curve—and ahead of the competition.
It’s also impossible to talk about Mulkey’s recent success without acknowledging her ability to recruit and develop elite talent. In an era where star players can jump ship at the drop of a hat, Mulkey has built a culture strong enough to attract and retain some of the best players in the country. Her ability to connect with recruits, to sell them not just on LSU but on the vision she has for their development, is a cornerstone of the program’s success. She understands that coaching today is as much about relationships and trust as it is about strategy.
This year’s roster, a mix of returning veterans and promising newcomers, reflected the diversity of Mulkey’s recruiting philosophy. She balanced high school phenoms with seasoned transfers, giving the team both experience and upside. That blend allowed LSU to play multiple styles, adjust on the fly, and remain competitive in every game they played. It’s a testament to Mulkey’s flexibility and willingness to evolve—traits not always associated with legendary coaches set in their ways.
What sets Mulkey apart, perhaps more than anything, is her unwavering belief in herself and her team. She’s never been one to back down from a challenge. She’s never wavered in her confidence. That belief has become contagious, infecting her players, her staff, and the entire LSU community with a sense of purpose and pride. When Mulkey walks into a room, she commands attention. When she speaks, people listen. And when she coaches, results follow.
Her third consecutive AP Coach of the Year honor also places her in rarefied air when it comes to her career achievements. Already a Hall of Famer, Mulkey now has multiple national championships, countless conference titles, and a growing list of national awards to her name. But more than the trophies or the accolades, what truly defines her legacy is the standard she has set—and the generations of young women she has empowered along the way.
Mulkey’s success at LSU is even more remarkable when viewed in the context of where the program was before her arrival. Prior to her taking over, LSU hadn’t made a deep tournament run in years, and national relevance felt like a distant memory. In just a few seasons, she resurrected the program and placed it at the pinnacle of college basketball. That kind of turnaround doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when vision meets execution—and when leadership meets belief.
As LSU continues to thrive under Mulkey’s leadership, the ripple effects can be felt across the entire sport. She has raised the bar not just for LSU, but for every program hoping to compete at the highest level. Other coaches now know what it takes. Players around the country now understand what it means to buy into something bigger than themselves. And fans—those passionate, loyal LSU fans—now expect greatness every time the Tigers take the floor.
Looking ahead, there’s no indication that Mulkey is slowing down. If anything, she seems even more driven, more focused, and more passionate than ever before. The foundation she has built is solid. The pipeline of talent continues to flow. And the hunger for more titles—more records, more history—is palpable.
For the players who get to wear the purple and gold, there’s no greater honor than playing for Coach Mulkey. They know what she stands for. They know how hard she pushes. And they know that everything she demands is rooted in love, belief, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Today’s announcement is about more than just another award. It’s about a legacy in motion. It’s about recognizing a woman who has shaped the game, elevated a program, and inspired countless others to dream bigger and work harder. Kim Mulkey isn’t just the AP Coach of the Year. She is the embodiment of greatness, the gold standard of leadership, and the face of women’s college basketball in 2025.
As the confetti settles and the headlines circulate, one thing remains clear: the sport is better because of Kim Mulkey. Her voice is powerful. Her presence is undeniable. And her story—still being written—is one for the ages. The LSU Tigers are lucky to have her. And the game of basketball is lucky to call her one of its own.
So while the season may have come to a close, the legacy continues. And as long as Kim Mulkey is on the sidelines, you can bet that excellence will follow. Three straight AP Coach of the Year awards? Just the beginning. The queen of college basketball is still reigning—and she’s not done yet.