Title: “Coach Money”: Seimone Augustus Makes a New Impact on LSU Program

Introduction 

Seimone Augustus is a name synonymous with excellence in women’s basketball. Her rise to fame began in Baton Rouge, where she was a standout star for LSU’s women’s basketball program. From there, she achieved greatness in the WNBA, securing multiple championships with the Minnesota Lynx and cementing her status as one of the greatest players of her generation. However, as Augustus’ playing career began to wind down, her passion for the game didn’t fade. Instead, it evolved. In 2024, Seimone Augustus took a bold step, transitioning from player to coach as she returned to LSU—not as a player, but as an assistant coach, ready to mentor the next generation of athletes.

Her appointment was seen as more than just a return to her alma mater; it was a symbolic moment for LSU’s program, bringing a basketball legend back into the fold. Her vast experience, leadership qualities, and intimate knowledge of LSU’s culture make her a uniquely qualified coach. As Augustus steps into this new chapter, her impact is already being felt across LSU’s program, both on and off the court. Her influence, not only as a coach but as a mentor, has already started shaping the culture of LSU women’s basketball.

Section 1: Seimone Augustus’ Playing Career 

Seimone Augustus’ journey to greatness began at LSU, where she quickly became one of the most dominant forces in NCAA basketball. Augustus was a standout at LSU from 2002 to 2006, leading the Tigers to multiple NCAA tournament appearances, including a near-miss at a national title in 2006. Her scoring ability, leadership on the floor, and basketball IQ earned her numerous accolades. She was named an All-American multiple times, and her on-court prowess helped LSU become a perennial powerhouse in women’s college basketball.

Her most significant achievement at LSU was being named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player in 2005 when she led LSU to the Final Four. Augustus finished her career as LSU’s all-time leading scorer, a title she held for many years. She left LSU with an indelible mark, both in terms of her individual stats and her role in elevating the program’s national profile.

Her success at LSU was merely a precursor to her even more illustrious career in the WNBA. Augustus was selected No. 1 overall in the 2006 WNBA Draft by the Minnesota Lynx, marking the beginning of one of the most successful professional careers in the league’s history. Augustus was known for her smooth scoring ability, clutch performances, and leadership on the court. She won four WNBA championships with the Lynx (2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017) and earned numerous All-Star selections. Her career not only solidified her as a WNBA legend but also demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure, traits she now brings to her coaching.

Her experience as both a collegiate and professional athlete gives her a unique perspective as a coach. She understands the intricacies of the game at every level and has a wealth of experience to share with her players. This blend of past success, knowledge, and leadership makes Augustus an invaluable asset to the LSU program in her new role.

Section 2: Augustus’ Transition from Player to Coach 

The transition from player to coach is often a difficult one. Former athletes who are used to competing and executing plays on the floor must shift their mindset to become leaders and teachers. For Seimone Augustus, this transition has been both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. In her first year as a coach at LSU, Augustus has shown a remarkable ability to adapt and thrive.

One of the major challenges that Augustus has faced in this new role is learning how to impart her knowledge to players who are still in the development stage of their careers. As a player, Augustus was known for her incredible basketball instincts and talent, and translating that onto others has required patience and a strategic approach. Augustus has been diligent in honing her skills as a mentor, focusing on providing a balance of technical basketball knowledge and emotional support to her players.

A key part of her transition has also been understanding the dynamics of coaching and the intricacies of managing a team. Unlike in her playing days, where she was the primary focus on the court, Augustus now has to make decisions about game strategy, team rotations, and player development. Her role as a coach requires her to step back from being an individual contributor to focusing on how the team can collectively succeed. However, her leadership qualities, honed during her playing days, have translated well to her coaching approach.

Augustus’ success in transitioning from player to coach is also a testament to LSU’s commitment to its program’s future. By hiring Augustus, LSU is showing a deep respect for its history and a forward-thinking vision for the future. Augustus, as both a player and now as a coach, understands the expectations of the LSU program and is dedicated to maintaining its standards of excellence. Her integration into LSU’s coaching staff is a thoughtful blend of mentorship, strategy, and leadership that will continue to elevate the program.

Section 3: The Influence of Augustus on LSU’s Culture 

One of Seimone Augustus’ most significant contributions to LSU’s women’s basketball program has been her influence on the team’s culture. As someone who has achieved the pinnacle of success in both college and professional basketball, Augustus brings a unique level of professionalism and discipline to the team. Her work ethic, commitment to excellence, and leadership on and off the court are qualities that the LSU players have quickly embraced.

Augustus has fostered an environment of high expectations, where players are encouraged to push themselves beyond their limits and embrace a team-first mentality. This shift in culture is not just about winning games—it’s about instilling the right mindset and building a legacy. She works tirelessly with players to develop both their physical and mental toughness.

Her influence has been especially notable in how the LSU players approach their preparation for games. Augustus, having played under immense pressure at every level, encourages a focus on mental preparation, visualization, and resilience. She is often seen providing guidance during practice, reinforcing the importance of maintaining composure and sticking to the game plan. Her impact on the team’s mental toughness has paid dividends, with LSU players displaying newfound confidence on the court.

Furthermore, Augustus serves as a role model for the younger players, showing them what it takes to be a successful professional both on and off the court. Her ability to juggle multiple roles, her maturity, and her leadership serve as an example to all the players she coaches. The players see Augustus as a mentor, someone who understands their challenges and who can offer advice based on her own experiences in similar situations.

Through her leadership, Augustus is helping LSU to foster a culture of resilience, discipline, and high performance—qualities that will benefit the program for years to come.

Section 4: Coaching Style and Strategies 

Seimone Augustus’ coaching style is a natural extension of her own experiences as a player. She emphasizes a balanced approach, combining technical skill development with mental preparation and team dynamics. Her basketball IQ is second to none, and she brings a depth of understanding to practice sessions, game strategies, and player development.

In terms of strategy, Augustus encourages an up-tempo style of play. Her coaching philosophy is rooted in creating a fast-paced, high-pressure environment where players are encouraged to be aggressive both offensively and defensively. She uses her own playing experiences, particularly her ability to read the game and adapt, to teach her players how to make smart, quick decisions under pressure. Augustus also emphasizes individual skill development, particularly ball handling, shooting, and defensive positioning, all areas where she excelled in her playing career.

Another key element of Augustus’ coaching style is her emphasis on teamwork. As a former player who understood the importance of cohesive team play, Augustus works hard to ensure that her players are not just individual stars but also contributors to a collective effort. She focuses on building strong communication between players, developing chemistry on the court, and fostering a supportive environment in the locker room.

Augustus also has a strong focus on defense, an aspect of the game that was a hallmark of her professional career. While she was known for her scoring ability, Augustus was also a tenacious defender. She instills this same commitment to defense in her players, emphasizing the importance of creating turnovers, pressuring the ball, and being aggressive without fouling.

Her strategies are designed to maximize the strengths of her players while also addressing areas for improvement. Augustus’ coaching style is a blend of discipline, respect for the game, and a constant push for growth—principles that she strives to pass on to the next generation of LSU women’s basketball players.

Section 5: Augustus’ Long-Term Impact on LSU

The long-term impact of Seimone Augustus at LSU is immeasurable. Her influence goes beyond the short-term wins and losses, as she is playing a key role in shaping the future of the program. Augustus’ experience at every level of the game—from college to the WNBA—gives her a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed at the highest levels. She understands the sacrifices required, the mental fortitude needed, and the importance of preparation.

As LSU continues to recruit top-tier talent, Augustus’ presence on the coaching staff will undoubtedly help the program attract high-caliber players. Her success as a player and her reputation as a fierce competitor are powerful recruiting tools. Players who aspire to play at the highest levels will see Augustus as a coach who not only understands their dreams but also knows how to help them achieve them.

Moreover, Augustus’ mentorship will likely shape the careers of LSU players for years to come. By providing a blueprint for success, both on and off the court, she is setting a standard that future players will aspire to meet. Her impact on the team’s culture and values will create a lasting legacy that will transcend her coaching career.

In terms of LSU’s national standing, Augustus’ leadership and coaching acumen will help propel the program to even greater heights. As LSU continues to compete at the national level, Augustus will play a key role in building the foundation for sustained success.

Seimone Augustus is not just a coach; she is an ambassador for the LSU women’s basketball program. Her work will leave a lasting imprint on the future of the program, helping to elevate it to new levels of excellence. Her presence at LSU is a game-changer for both the current team and the future of women’s basketball at the university.

Seimone Augustus has made an indelible mark on LSU’s women’s basketball program, not just as a player, but now as a coach. Her transition from a celebrated athlete to a mentor and leader reflects her commitment to the game and to the LSU community. Augustus’ work as a coach is already shaping the team’s culture, strategies, and future success. Through her unique perspective, leadership, and expertise, Augustus is helping to raise LSU’s program to new heights, inspiring the next generation of players to achieve greatness both on and off the court.

Her long-term impact at LSU will be felt for years to come as she helps build a legacy of excellence, one that will define LSU women’s basketball for future generations. Seimone Augustus is proving that greatness is not just about what happens on the court, but also about the legacy you leave behind as a coach and mentor.