In the ever-competitive world of women’s college basketball recruiting, few moments sting more than losing a generational talent. For LSU and head coach Kim Mulkey, that pain arrived abruptly this week as one of the nation’s top five-star prospects delivered a stunning blow by choosing to commit elsewhere—despite being heavily courted by the Tigers for months.
This surprising decision doesn’t just represent a loss on the recruiting trail—it sends shockwaves through the landscape of women’s college basketball, raising questions about LSU’s direction, the ever-evolving NIL battlefield, and what it means for the Tigers’ future title hopes.
The Recruit: A Phenom With Game-Changing Potential
The player in question? A consensus top-three national prospect, often described by recruiting analysts as a “can’t-miss, day-one impact” player. Standing 6-foot-2 and possessing a dynamic blend of athleticism, skill, and basketball IQ, she’s been on the radar of powerhouse programs since her sophomore year in high school.
What makes her even more unique is her versatility. She’s capable of running the point, attacking off the wing, or battling in the post. Scouts rave about her court vision, defensive tenacity, and leadership qualities, with many comparing her to past greats like Maya Moore and Breanna Stewart.
For months, LSU fans believed she was destined to join the Bayou Bengals. The program’s championship pedigree, Kim Mulkey’s high-profile leadership, and the team’s growing national brand made Baton Rouge seem like a natural fit. But recruiting, as the sport constantly reminds us, is rarely a straight line.
LSU’s Pitch: Strong, But Not Enough
There was no shortage of effort from LSU’s side. Mulkey and her staff reportedly visited the phenom multiple times, even attending her playoff games during the high school season. The Tigers extended every resource—from personalized campus visits to a detailed vision for her development both on and off the court.
Beyond Mulkey’s coaching credentials, LSU’s recent success under her leadership added weight to their pitch. With a national title in 2023 and another deep NCAA Tournament run in 2024, LSU has re-established itself as a perennial powerhouse. Mulkey’s track record of developing All-Americans, such as Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson, seemed like the perfect blueprint for the five-star’s growth.
But despite the Tigers’ all-in approach, the recruit ultimately chose a different path—one that didn’t include LSU purple and gold.
The Decision: A Stunning Turn of Events
The five-star phenom made her announcement via social media, accompanied by a documentary-style video chronicling her recruiting journey. With over 100,000 viewers watching live, fans from across the country waited in anticipation. When she revealed her decision, the collective gasp from LSU supporters was audible online.
She chose to take her talents to another blue-blood program—a team that, while still elite, hadn’t been as heavily favored in the race. Within minutes, analysts scrambled to update rankings and shift projected win totals for the upcoming 2025–26 season.
For LSU, the announcement felt like a gut punch. Not only was the recruit expected to be a centerpiece of their next class, but she also represented a long-term face of the program—a player who could have potentially led the Tigers back to another national title.
Why Did She Choose Elsewhere?
In the aftermath of the announcement, insiders and fans alike have speculated as to why LSU missed out. While the full reasoning may never be publicly known, several factors likely played a role.
1. NIL Considerations
In the modern era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), money matters more than ever. Some reports suggest that the rival program offered a more lucrative NIL package, backed by corporate sponsorships and long-term marketing plans. While LSU has been aggressive in NIL, it’s possible that this specific deal was too strong to turn down.
2. Fit and Culture
The recruit’s decision may have also come down to personal fit. While LSU offers a high-profile stage, the rival program is known for a player-first culture, allowing recruits more freedom and creative influence. Some elite prospects prioritize this environment over media attention and high-pressure coaching.
3. Academic and Geographic Preferences
Her chosen school is closer to home and offers a unique academic program that aligns with her interests beyond basketball. Family connections and personal comfort are often underestimated but crucial in these decisions.
Reactions from Baton Rouge
The news didn’t take long to ripple through LSU nation.
On social media, fans expressed a range of emotions—from shock and disappointment to optimism and resolve. Several LSU players posted messages of support for the coaching staff, making it clear that the loss of one recruit wouldn’t shake the team’s internal unity.
Kim Mulkey, always fiery and unapologetically confident, issued a brief statement through the university:
“Recruiting is competitive at the highest level. We went after a great one, and she made a decision that’s best for her. That’s the game. We’re building a team that will compete for championships—no matter what.”
True to her personality, Mulkey didn’t flinch. If anything, she seemed motivated to bounce back stronger.
What This Means for LSU’s 2025 Recruiting Class
The immediate impact is obvious: LSU’s 2025 class takes a hit. The five-star recruit was expected to be the crown jewel of the class, and now, Mulkey and her staff must recalibrate.
However, all is not lost. LSU still holds commitments from two top-30 recruits and is in the running for multiple other four- and five-star players. With several months remaining until the early signing period, there’s ample time for course correction.
In fact, some insiders believe this high-profile miss might free up resources to pursue transfers or late risers in the 2025 cycle—players who may be hungrier, less headline-driven, and more eager to prove themselves in a stacked program.
A Broader Trend in Women’s Basketball?
This recruitment twist also highlights a shifting dynamic in women’s basketball. The balance of power is no longer confined to just UConn, Stanford, South Carolina, or LSU. With NIL deals evening the playing field and social media giving recruits more control over their personal brands, decisions are becoming increasingly unpredictable.
Some experts argue that the sport is entering a golden era, where talent is more evenly spread, and surprise commitments will become the norm rather than the exception.
For LSU, this may simply be part of a broader learning curve in the new recruiting landscape.
LSU’s Outlook Moving Forward
Despite this setback, LSU remains in elite company. With the return of Flau’jae Johnson, a promising sophomore class, and a handful of incoming transfers, the Tigers are still built to contend in the SEC and make a deep NCAA Tournament run in 2026.
Kim Mulkey has never been one to dwell on missed opportunities. Her history suggests she’ll respond with renewed intensity, both on the court and on the recruiting trail.
And LSU’s brand isn’t going anywhere. The program’s visibility, commitment to excellence, and passionate fanbase ensure it will continue to attract elite talent.
Closing Thoughts: A Loss, But Not a Defeat
There’s no sugarcoating it—losing a five-star recruit hurts. For fans who had already envisioned her in an LSU jersey, this is a tough pill to swallow. The vision of alley-oops, dagger threes, and championship parades will now belong to another fanbase.
But programs aren’t built on one player alone.
LSU women’s basketball remains one of the sport’s elite brands. It’s a program with history, heart, and a coach who never backs down from a challenge. If anything, this recruitment shock may only add fuel to the fire.
