Kim Mulkey and LSU’s chances of winning the women’s college basketball championship are discussed.

Kim Mulkey has firmly established herself as one of the premier head coaches in women’s college basketball. Her remarkable track record, including national championships and consistent success at the highest levels, has made her a focal point in discussions about the future of the sport. Since taking over as head coach of Louisiana State University (LSU) in 2021, Mulkey has quickly transformed the Tigers into one of the most formidable teams in the NCAA. As LSU looks ahead to the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, many wonder: what are the chances of Mulkey and her team capturing the ultimate prize, the national championship?

In this discussion, we’ll dive into the factors that influence LSU’s chances of winning the women’s college basketball championship under Kim Mulkey’s leadership. We’ll analyze Mulkey’s coaching philosophy, LSU’s current roster, the competitive landscape of women’s college basketball, and the team’s performance in recent seasons. By evaluating these variables, we can better understand the path LSU might take toward the pinnacle of the sport.

Kim Mulkey: A Legacy of Success

Kim Mulkey’s coaching resume speaks for itself. She has a history of success at every stop in her coaching career. Before taking over at LSU, Mulkey built Baylor University’s women’s basketball program into one of the most dominant forces in the NCAA. From 2000 to 2021, Mulkey led the Baylor Bears to three NCAA championships (2005, 2012, and 2019) and numerous Big 12 titles. She was known for her ability to recruit top-tier talent, develop players to their full potential, and create teams that were both offensively potent and defensively tenacious.

Her success at Baylor was not just about winning championships, though. It was about creating a culture of excellence, discipline, and selflessness. Her coaching style emphasized tough defense, high basketball IQ, and a relentless work ethic. Mulkey’s ability to connect with players while holding them to high standards is one of the keys to her success.

When Mulkey took over at LSU, many thought it would take time to rebuild the program into a national contender. However, Mulkey’s success was almost immediate. In her second season at LSU, she led the Tigers to the NCAA Final Four, signaling that LSU was on the rise. With her strong recruiting abilities, leadership, and proven track record of success, it became clear that LSU’s chances of winning a national championship were more than just a distant possibility—they were within reach.

LSU’s Roster and Strengths

As of the 2024-2025 season, LSU’s roster features a blend of veteran players and young, talented newcomers. Mulkey’s ability to recruit has been one of her biggest assets at LSU. She has brought in several top-tier players, many of whom have been instrumental in the team’s rise to prominence.

One of the cornerstones of LSU’s roster is Angel Reese, a standout forward who made a significant impact in her first season with the Tigers. Reese transferred from the University of Maryland in 2022 and immediately became one of the most dominant players in college basketball. Known for her rebounding, scoring ability, and defensive prowess, Reese is a player capable of leading LSU to victory in high-stakes games. Her versatility as a forward allows Mulkey to use her in various roles on the floor, making her a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.

Alongside Reese, LSU boasts a talented supporting cast that includes experienced upperclassmen and promising underclassmen. With players like LaDazhia Williams, Alexis Morris, and others, LSU has a deep and well-rounded roster capable of competing with the best teams in the country.

One of the biggest advantages for LSU is Mulkey’s ability to get the most out of her players. Under her guidance, players often show significant improvements in their development, which enhances the overall team dynamic. LSU’s strength is its balance—combining a high-powered offense with tough, gritty defense. Mulkey’s system is designed to take advantage of her players’ strengths, whether it’s inside scoring, rebounding, or perimeter shooting. LSU also excels in transition play, using their athleticism to create easy scoring opportunities.

Another key strength of LSU’s roster is its depth. Unlike many programs that rely on one or two star players, LSU has multiple players capable of stepping up on any given night. This depth allows the Tigers to withstand injuries and adverse situations while still maintaining a high level of performance.

LSU’s Recent Performance and Trajectory

Since Kim Mulkey took over as head coach, LSU has shown consistent improvement. In her first season (2021-2022), the Tigers made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, a respectable showing considering the turnover on the roster. The 2022-2023 season marked a major breakthrough, as LSU advanced to the Final Four and ultimately reached the national championship game. Although LSU fell short in the title game, the Tigers’ run to the championship was an impressive achievement and showcased the potential of the program under Mulkey’s leadership.

The 2023-2024 season saw LSU continue to build on its success. With a powerful roster and excellent team chemistry, the Tigers remained among the top teams in the SEC and the nation. LSU’s defense, which had been a hallmark of Mulkey’s teams at Baylor, became a key focus in their success. The team’s ability to shut down opponents and limit their scoring opportunities allowed LSU to stay competitive against even the most potent offenses.

Looking ahead to the 2025 NCAA Tournament, LSU is once again considered one of the favorites to win the national championship. Mulkey’s leadership, combined with the team’s talent, gives the Tigers a strong chance to contend for the title. The program’s upward trajectory, along with the experiences gained from their previous tournament runs, sets LSU up for another deep postseason run.

Challenges in Women’s College Basketball

Despite LSU’s success under Kim Mulkey, there are numerous challenges standing in the way of a national championship. Women’s college basketball is as competitive as ever, with several programs consistently competing at a high level. Teams like South Carolina, UConn, and Stanford are perennial powerhouses that pose significant threats to LSU’s title hopes.

South Carolina, led by head coach Dawn Staley, is perhaps the most formidable opponent in women’s college basketball today. The Gamecocks, with their mix of elite talent, depth, and championship experience, represent a major obstacle for any team looking to claim the national title. Players like Aliyah Boston (who has since graduated but was a key part of South Carolina’s success) and Zia Cooke have helped South Carolina dominate both the SEC and the national landscape.

UConn, under the leadership of Geno Auriemma, is always a threat. Despite dealing with key injuries in recent seasons, UConn remains one of the most talented and well-coached teams in the country. Auriemma’s ability to mold teams capable of making deep runs in the NCAA Tournament makes UConn a team that LSU will need to keep an eye on.

Stanford, led by Tara VanDerveer, is another program that routinely fields championship-caliber teams. With a focus on fundamental basketball and an emphasis on defense, Stanford has the ability to shut down LSU’s offensive schemes and make a deep tournament run.

Moreover, the growing talent pool in women’s college basketball means that new challengers are emerging every season. Programs like Iowa, Texas, and others have invested heavily in their women’s basketball teams, and they can no longer be overlooked.

While LSU has the talent to compete with these elite programs, the road to the national championship will not be easy. Mulkey and her staff will need to ensure their team stays healthy, maintains its focus, and avoids the pitfalls that often derail championship contenders, such as injuries, lack of depth, or underperformance in high-pressure moments.

What Does It Take for LSU to Win the National Championship?

For LSU to win the national championship, several key factors will need to align. First and foremost, the team’s star players—especially Angel Reese—will need to stay healthy and perform at an elite level. Reese has the ability to dominate both ends of the floor, but she will need help from her teammates to ensure LSU can reach the ultimate goal.

The team’s defense will also be critical. Kim Mulkey’s system is designed to create a relentless defensive presence, and LSU will need to continue shutting down opposing offenses, particularly in high-pressure tournament games. Players like Reese and Williams will need to be active on the boards, while LSU’s guards will need to contain opposing shooters.

Another key to LSU’s success will be their ability to adapt in the postseason. Tournament games can be unpredictable, and LSU will need to maintain their composure under pressure. Mulkey’s experience coaching in high-stakes environments will be invaluable, as she can draw upon her previous championship runs to guide her team through challenging situations.

Finally, LSU will need contributions from all areas of their roster. While Reese will likely be the focal point, LSU’s depth is one of its greatest strengths. The Tigers’ ability to use a balanced attack and trust in their depth will be crucial in the grind of a long tournament.

Kim Mulkey has transformed LSU into a national contender in just a short amount of time. With a talented roster, a deep commitment to defense, and one of the most successful coaches in women’s college basketball, LSU’s chances of winning the national championship are very real. However, the road to the title will not be easy. Competing against powerhouse programs like South Carolina, UConn, and Stanford, along with the unpredictable nature of March Madness, will present significant challenges.

Despite these challenges, Mulkey’s experience, leadership, and ability to develop her players give LSU a legitimate shot at securing the ultimate prize in women’s college basketball. As the Tigers continue to build on their momentum, the future of LSU women’s basketball looks incredibly bright.