Breaking: After Winning AP Coach of the Year, LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball Coach Kim Mulkey Overcomes Her Emotions

Kim Mulkey, a name that resonates deeply within the world of women’s basketball, has always been known for her fierce competitiveness, strategic brilliance, and, above all, her relentless commitment to excellence. As of 2025, Mulkey has etched another remarkable achievement in her career—winning the prestigious Associated Press (AP) Coach of the Year award after leading the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team to an extraordinary season. Yet, behind the triumph of this latest accolade lies a journey filled with challenges, growth, and emotional resilience, traits that have long defined Mulkey as both a coach and a person.

When Mulkey accepted the AP Coach of the Year award, the moment was charged with emotion, not only for her but for the entire LSU program. The significance of the recognition could not be overstated, and for Mulkey, it was a moment to reflect on the years of hard work, both on and off the court. However, this achievement was not just about the victories, the accolades, or the statistical milestones; it was about how far Mulkey had come—both professionally and personally—and how she had transcended obstacles to bring LSU’s women’s basketball program to new heights.

The Road to the AP Coach of the Year Award

Kim Mulkey’s career trajectory is nothing short of impressive. She began as a fiery player at Louisiana Tech, leading the Lady Techsters to multiple NCAA titles before transitioning to a successful coaching career. After serving as an assistant coach at Louisiana Tech, Mulkey took the reins of the Baylor Bears program in 2000, where she quickly established herself as one of the most dominant figures in college basketball. Over the next two decades, Mulkey won three NCAA titles with Baylor, solidifying her reputation as one of the greatest coaches in the history of the sport.

However, in 2021, Mulkey made the bold decision to leave Baylor and take on a new challenge by becoming the head coach of the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team. The move was met with a mix of surprise and excitement, as LSU had long been a sleeping giant in women’s basketball. While the program had experienced success in the past, it had not achieved the level of consistency and dominance that Mulkey had cultivated at Baylor.

Her arrival in Baton Rouge marked the beginning of a new era for LSU women’s basketball. The Tigers had a storied history, but they needed someone with Mulkey’s pedigree to push them to the next level. Her decision to move to LSU was motivated by the belief that she could build a championship contender from the ground up, and in just her second season at the helm, she delivered a team that captured the hearts of fans and set the stage for the future.

Under Mulkey’s leadership, LSU quickly became a powerhouse. The Tigers transformed from a middle-of-the-pack team to a title contender almost overnight, with Mulkey instilling her principles of hard work, defensive prowess, and unrelenting drive. In the 2024-2025 season, the Tigers flourished, culminating in a season that saw them reach the Final Four, and ultimately, secure the coveted AP Coach of the Year honor for Mulkey.

The Emotional Overcome: Mulkey’s Personal Journey

For Mulkey, the recognition was not just the result of her coaching expertise but the culmination of a deeply personal journey. Throughout her career, Mulkey has been known for her fiery demeanor, her sharp focus on the game, and her unparalleled commitment to her players. Yet, behind this image of a relentless competitor, there is a human side to Mulkey that is often overlooked. Her emotions, her vulnerability, and her sense of responsibility to her team and community have shaped her into the coach she is today.

In the moments following her announcement as AP Coach of the Year, Mulkey became visibly emotional, a rare display for a woman who is typically known for her steely exterior. As she stood before the media, receiving praise from her peers and colleagues, she reflected on the significance of the achievement—not just as a professional milestone, but as a deeply personal moment in her life. Mulkey’s journey to this point has been marked by both triumphs and heartbreaks, and winning the AP Coach of the Year award was an acknowledgment of all the sacrifices she had made along the way.

One of the key reasons behind Mulkey’s emotional reaction is the magnitude of the transition she had undergone in the past few years. Moving from Baylor, where she had established herself as one of the most successful coaches in the game, to LSU was no small feat. The decision was accompanied by the weight of high expectations from fans, administrators, and media alike. However, Mulkey’s resilience shone through as she quickly got to work, building a team that could compete at the highest level.

Moreover, Mulkey’s decision to leave Baylor was also shaped by her personal experiences, including her desire to bring success to her home state of Louisiana and her commitment to her family. After all, Mulkey’s career has always been defined by more than just basketball; it has been about her ability to navigate life’s challenges with grace and determination. Her bond with her players, her commitment to her family, and her connection to the Baton Rouge community have played significant roles in fueling her passion for the game and her ability to push through adversity.

A Legacy of Mentorship and Leadership

While Mulkey’s success on the basketball court is undeniable, her impact as a mentor and leader has had an even more profound effect on the LSU Tigers. Her players speak of her not just as a coach, but as a guiding figure who teaches them valuable life lessons. Mulkey has always been someone who holds her players to high standards, both on and off the court, and this philosophy has been instrumental in shaping the Tigers into one of the most disciplined and successful teams in the nation.

Mulkey’s leadership style is rooted in her authenticity and her unwavering belief in her players. She has created a culture at LSU that is built on trust, accountability, and mutual respect. This culture has allowed players to thrive, both individually and as part of a team. In her time at LSU, Mulkey has nurtured the growth of several players, helping them develop their skills, overcome challenges, and become better versions of themselves.

Her ability to connect with her players has been a defining feature of her coaching career. Mulkey’s players know that she cares deeply about their well-being and success, and this trust is reflected in their performances on the court. The bond she shares with her team is one of the reasons why LSU has been able to achieve so much under her leadership.

As she stood before the media, overwhelmed by the emotions of the moment, Mulkey was quick to deflect the attention away from herself and toward her players. She emphasized that the award was a reflection of the hard work and dedication of her entire team, from the players to the assistant coaches and support staff. Mulkey’s humility in the face of such a monumental achievement is a testament to the values she holds dear—values that have shaped her into the person and coach she is today.

Looking Ahead: The Future of LSU Women’s Basketball

With Mulkey at the helm, LSU’s women’s basketball program is poised for continued success. The 2024-2025 season was just the beginning, and the Tigers have the potential to build upon this momentum in the years to come. Mulkey has always been a coach who embraces challenges and sets high expectations, and with the talent and resources at LSU, the program is positioned to compete for national titles for years to come.

Mulkey’s ability to attract top-tier talent to LSU has been one of the key drivers behind the team’s success. The program has already become a destination for elite recruits, and Mulkey’s reputation as one of the best coaches in the game only adds to the allure of playing for the Tigers. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, LSU will be a force to be reckoned with for the foreseeable future.

As Mulkey continues to build her legacy at LSU, the focus will not only be on winning titles but also on cultivating an environment where her players can thrive, grow, and make an impact both on and off the court. She has always been more than just a coach—she is a mentor, a leader, and a role model for the next generation of athletes.

Winning the AP Coach of the Year award was a moment that encapsulated the dedication, passion, and hard work that Kim Mulkey has poured into her career. It was a recognition of not just her coaching acumen but also her ability to overcome adversity, lead with purpose, and inspire those around her. Mulkey’s journey has been one of perseverance, resilience, and unyielding commitment to the game she loves. As she moves forward in her career, there is little doubt that Mulkey will continue to leave an indelible mark on the world of women’s basketball, both through her coaching and her leadership.

The emotional response that Mulkey displayed upon receiving the award was not just a reflection of the triumph of the moment, but a recognition of the sacrifices, the challenges, and the determination that have defined her career. For Kim Mulkey, this award is not the end but rather another chapter in a career that promises even greater accomplishments and a lasting legacy in the world of women’s basketball.