In a moment that highlighted both the depth of emotion and the exceptional achievement in women’s sports, Kim Mulkey, the head coach of LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball, was overwhelmed with emotion as she was named the AP Coach of the Year for the 2024 season. The honor comes as a testament to her leadership, not only in building LSU into a championship-caliber program but also for her role in furthering the prominence and recognition of women’s basketball as a whole. Mulkey’s reaction to the recognition demonstrated just how much this moment meant to her, as she has experienced the ups and downs of coaching at the highest levels of collegiate basketball, and this award represents the culmination of decades of hard work, determination, and passion for the game.
Kim Mulkey’s coaching career has been a remarkable journey, one filled with championship victories, individual accolades, and the unyielding desire to push the boundaries of what is possible in women’s basketball. From her early days as a standout player to her rise as one of the most respected and successful coaches in the game, Mulkey’s legacy has been solidified in the history books. However, the recognition from the Associated Press as the Coach of the Year serves as another significant milestone in what has already been an extraordinary career.
This honor did not come without challenges, of course. Mulkey’s move from Baylor to LSU in 2021 was met with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism, as many wondered whether she could replicate the success she enjoyed at her previous school. At Baylor, Mulkey built a powerhouse, leading the Lady Bears to three NCAA championships and a series of conference titles, establishing herself as one of the elite minds in women’s basketball. The decision to leave Baylor after more than two decades was a bold one, but it was rooted in Mulkey’s desire for new challenges and a fresh start.
When she took over at LSU, the Tigers were not a team widely considered to be among the nation’s elite. While they had experienced some success in the past, they were not regularly competing for national titles. But Mulkey’s arrival at LSU changed everything. She brought with her a championship pedigree, a high level of intensity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Those who had the opportunity to work with her quickly realized that her expectations were nothing short of extraordinary, and she instilled that mindset in her players from day one.
Under Mulkey’s guidance, LSU rapidly became a team that could compete with the best in the country, and she quickly recruited some of the nation’s top talent. One of the most significant moves came in the form of securing the commitment of the highly touted transfer, Angel Reese, from Maryland. Reese’s arrival provided LSU with a dynamic player who could dominate on both ends of the court and change the landscape of women’s college basketball. Mulkey’s ability to attract top-tier players like Reese, as well as her talent in developing and maximizing the abilities of players already on the roster, has been a hallmark of her coaching style.
The 2024 season was a true reflection of Mulkey’s ability to inspire greatness in her players. LSU finished the season as one of the top teams in the nation, earning high rankings throughout the year and solidifying themselves as legitimate contenders for a national title. The Tigers played with a level of intensity, confidence, and cohesiveness that many teams aspire to, and they proved to be one of the most formidable forces in women’s basketball. Mulkey’s ability to adapt her strategies to match the strengths of her team, while also remaining adaptable to the various challenges that arose over the course of the season, was crucial to their success.
For Mulkey, this award is a recognition not just of her coaching acumen but of the work put in behind the scenes to create a winning culture. Her leadership extends beyond the Xs and Os of basketball strategy—she has developed a program that values hard work, discipline, and a commitment to excellence. Mulkey’s emphasis on building strong relationships with her players and helping them grow as individuals has had a profound impact on the Tigers’ success. She has cultivated an environment in which her players feel supported and empowered to reach their full potential, both on and off the court.
The emotional response that Mulkey displayed upon learning of her selection as AP Coach of the Year was telling. She has long been known for her fiery and passionate personality, both as a player and as a coach. However, her reaction also underscored the immense pride she feels in her work and the sacrifices that she and her family have made throughout her career. Mulkey’s dedication to the sport and her athletes has been evident in every aspect of her career, and this honor was an acknowledgment of her tireless efforts.
Beyond the individual accolade, Mulkey’s recognition serves as a reflection of the growing prominence of women’s basketball in the broader sports landscape. Women’s basketball, once an afterthought in the world of collegiate athletics, has steadily gained traction in recent years, thanks in part to coaches like Mulkey who have raised the level of competition and visibility for the sport. The success of the LSU Tigers under Mulkey’s leadership has helped to raise the profile of women’s basketball and to show that the game is worthy of the same level of attention and respect as its men’s counterpart.
As a coach, Mulkey has been instrumental in promoting the idea that women’s basketball is not just a “niche” sport but an elite, high-level competition that demands the same recognition, resources, and respect as other major collegiate athletic programs. Mulkey’s work has contributed to the larger conversation about gender equality in sports and the importance of investing in women’s programs. This recognition for Mulkey is not just for her achievements on the court but also for her broader role in shaping the future of women’s college basketball.
Looking ahead, the future for LSU Women’s Basketball under Kim Mulkey is incredibly bright. The team is poised to continue competing at the highest level, with a talented roster, strong recruiting classes, and a culture of success that has been firmly established under Mulkey’s leadership. While Mulkey herself is quick to deflect individual praise and emphasize the importance of her players and staff, it is clear that her coaching has been the driving force behind LSU’s rise as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball.
For Kim Mulkey, the AP Coach of the Year award is an honor that recognizes the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. It is also a reflection of her enduring commitment to her players, her program, and the game of basketball itself. Through her leadership, Mulkey has not only shaped the LSU Tigers into a national contender but has also helped to elevate the profile of women’s college basketball to new heights. The emotional moment she experienced upon receiving the recognition is a reminder of the deep connection that coaches and players share, and the immense pride that comes from building something truly special.
Kim Mulkey’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and unmatched success, and this honor is just another chapter in what will surely be remembered as one of the most significant coaching careers in the history of women’s sports.