Kim Mulkey’s Opinion: For the third consecutive year, LSU women’s basketball makes it to the Elite Eight
Kim Mulkey, the head coach of LSU Women’s Basketball, is no stranger to success. After taking over the program in 2021, Mulkey quickly transformed LSU into one of the most dominant forces in college basketball. The team’s consistent achievement in making it to the Elite Eight for the third consecutive year is a testament to her leadership, strategy, and the growing strength of women’s basketball at LSU. This success isn’t just about the wins on the court; it’s about the larger message that Mulkey has sent to the world of college basketball: LSU is a program to be reckoned with, and the future of women’s sports is bright.
The Journey to the Elite Eight: A Program Reborn
When Kim Mulkey arrived at LSU in 2021, she was walking into a program that had seen some success but was not among the elite teams in the country. LSU’s women’s basketball history had flashes of brilliance, with some NCAA Tournament appearances and conference championships, but there was a gap between those successes and national prominence. Mulkey, who had already won three NCAA titles with Baylor, was the perfect coach to elevate the program. She brought with her an unmatched pedigree and a winning culture.
In her first season, Mulkey led LSU to the NCAA Tournament, and in the second year, LSU advanced to the Elite Eight—a significant leap for the program. This year, the team has once again reached the Elite Eight, marking the third consecutive year of such an achievement. This consistency speaks volumes about Mulkey’s coaching ability, her understanding of the game, and the environment she’s built at LSU.
What makes this feat even more impressive is that the success has been sustained through roster changes, injuries, and the challenges of building a team from the ground up. Each season, LSU has not just relied on its returning players but has continuously brought in top talent through recruiting, developing players who thrive under Mulkey’s tutelage.
Mulkey’s Leadership: A Game-Changer for LSU
Kim Mulkey’s leadership is central to the program’s success. She is known for her fiery competitiveness, no-nonsense approach, and a deep understanding of the game. As a former player who won national championships at Louisiana Tech and Baylor, Mulkey’s credibility is second to none. Her players respect her not only because of her success but because of the work ethic and discipline she instills in them.
One of Mulkey’s most notable leadership qualities is her ability to get the best out of her players. Whether it’s through tough love or empowering them to take ownership of their own development, she has built a team culture that thrives under pressure. The LSU women’s basketball team is known for its defensive intensity, resilience, and relentless drive—traits that reflect Mulkey’s own mentality. She is a coach who demands the best from her players and, in return, gives them the tools to succeed.
Another aspect of Mulkey’s leadership is her ability to adapt her coaching style to the strengths of her team. She doesn’t rely on a single system or strategy but tailors her approach based on the players she has. Whether it’s focusing on aggressive defense, fast breaks, or half-court offense, Mulkey has consistently shown that she knows how to adjust to get the best results.
The Power of Recruiting: Building a Championship-Caliber Roster
One of the key factors behind LSU’s sustained success under Mulkey is her exceptional recruiting. When she took over the program, she immediately began to reshape the roster, bringing in a mix of seasoned players and talented newcomers. Through smart recruiting, Mulkey has built a roster capable of competing at the highest level.
A major part of her recruiting strategy has been securing the nation’s top high school talent. This includes not just top-ranked recruits but players who fit the culture Mulkey is building. Her ability to recruit elite players has elevated LSU’s program to new heights, making it a consistent contender for NCAA championships. She has attracted some of the top players in the country, including highly touted freshmen who have made an immediate impact.
Additionally, Mulkey has made sure that the talent she brings in doesn’t just excel on the court but is also a good fit for her coaching style. This attention to detail and focus on chemistry has allowed LSU to develop a close-knit team, where everyone is working toward the same goal. The result has been a team that not only performs well individually but also thrives as a collective unit.
The Impact of Player Development: Rising Stars
While recruiting has played a significant role in LSU’s success, so too has Mulkey’s commitment to player development. Many of the stars on the team, particularly those who were once considered under-the-radar prospects, have blossomed into household names under Mulkey’s guidance. Players who might not have received attention at other programs have thrived at LSU because of the culture Mulkey has created.
Take the example of Alexis Morris, one of the team’s standout players. Under Mulkey’s mentorship, Morris has transformed into one of the best point guards in the country, a player who can dictate the tempo of a game and make key decisions in clutch moments. Mulkey’s ability to develop players like Morris is a huge reason why LSU continues to perform at such a high level.
In addition to Morris, LSU’s roster is filled with players who have become stars in their own right. The team’s depth and versatility make them a tough opponent for anyone, and that’s a direct result of Mulkey’s emphasis on developing talent across the board. From the bench players to the starters, every player is given the opportunity to grow and improve, making LSU’s team not just talented but dangerous.
The Evolution of Women’s College Basketball
Kim Mulkey’s success at LSU also represents a larger shift in the landscape of women’s college basketball. As the sport continues to grow in visibility and respect, programs like LSU are beginning to show that they can compete on the same level as the traditional powerhouses. Mulkey’s success at LSU is indicative of the increasing competitiveness of women’s college basketball and its future potential.
Mulkey is part of a group of coaches who are elevating the game and pushing the envelope for what women’s basketball can achieve. With more visibility, better resources, and increased investment in the women’s game, the talent level across the sport has never been higher. Programs like LSU are not just competing for conference titles; they’re competing for national championships.
The success of LSU under Mulkey has also contributed to the growing recognition of women’s basketball as a major sport. For years, the women’s game has played second fiddle to the men’s, but with the rise of coaches like Mulkey, and with increasing media coverage, women’s basketball is finally beginning to get the attention it deserves. LSU’s consistent appearance in the Elite Eight is a part of that larger story of women’s sports breaking barriers and proving that they deserve to be on the same stage as men’s sports.
The Road Ahead: Championship Aspirations
While the Elite Eight is a tremendous achievement, LSU has its sights set on more. For Mulkey and her players, simply reaching the Elite Eight is no longer enough. Their eyes are firmly on the ultimate prize: the NCAA Championship. LSU has the talent, coaching, and depth to compete for a national title, and with the momentum they’ve built over the past three years, they are one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.
Mulkey’s legacy as a coach is already cemented, but she knows that winning a national championship with LSU would elevate her status even further. She has always believed that championships are the standard, not just a goal, and her team reflects that mindset. LSU’s run to the Elite Eight is only one step on the road to bigger things. As the program continues to grow, and as Mulkey continues to build the team, there’s little doubt that LSU will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years.
A Legacy in the Making
Kim Mulkey’s leadership has been instrumental in the success of LSU’s women’s basketball program. With three consecutive Elite Eight appearances, Mulkey has already built a legacy of excellence at LSU. Her commitment to player development, strategic recruiting, and creating a championship culture has transformed the program into one of the top teams in the nation.
As women’s college basketball continues to evolve, programs like LSU will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sport. With Mulkey at the helm, the LSU Tigers are poised for continued success, and the program is in an excellent position to make a deep run for a national championship. The future of LSU women’s basketball is bright, and it’s clear that Kim Mulkey’s influence will be felt for years to come.