Kim Mulkey: Breaking Barriers and Making History in Women’s Basketball

In an era where female coaches and athletes continue to break boundaries and set new standards in sports, Kim Mulkey, the head coach of the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team, has added another remarkable achievement to her illustrious career. Mulkey’s name has been etched in the history books as the first woman to ever win both the Lisa Leslie Award and the Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Award in the same season. This extraordinary accomplishment is not only a testament to her outstanding coaching abilities but also a milestone in the ongoing evolution of women’s sports, where role models like Mulkey continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations.

A Legendary Career

Kim Mulkey’s journey to becoming a pioneering force in women’s basketball is marked by her dedication, excellence, and unparalleled passion for the game. As one of the most successful coaches in the history of NCAA women’s basketball, Mulkey has amassed an impressive resume both as a player and a coach. Her career began as a standout athlete, where she played at Louisiana Tech under legendary coach Leon Barmore. She played an instrumental role in helping the Lady Techsters win a national championship in 1981 and earned numerous accolades, including being named a First-Team All-American.

Following her successful playing career, Mulkey transitioned into coaching, a field where her leadership and ability to develop talent would soon make waves. Her coaching career began in 1996 at Baylor University, where she would go on to transform the program into a perennial powerhouse. Under her guidance, Baylor won three NCAA championships (2005, 2012, and 2019), and Mulkey became the first NCAA Division I head coach—male or female—to win a national title within her first few years of coaching. Her track record of success at Baylor made her one of the most respected figures in the sport.

However, Mulkey’s most recent achievement has come since her move to LSU, where she was hired as head coach in 2021. Taking over a program that was struggling to maintain its previous level of success, Mulkey quickly turned things around and led the LSU Tigers to new heights. Her ability to recruit top talent, her emphasis on defensive toughness, and her commitment to developing players into well-rounded athletes have been cornerstones of her coaching philosophy.

Historic Achievements: The Lisa Leslie Award

The Lisa Leslie Award, named after one of the greatest players in the history of women’s basketball, is given annually to the best center in women’s NCAA basketball. Leslie, who played for the University of Southern California (USC) and later for the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, is known for her dominance on the court, and her legacy in women’s basketball is undeniable. To win the Lisa Leslie Award is an honor reserved for the most dominant and versatile post players in the country.

In a twist of fate, Mulkey herself earned this prestigious award as a head coach, despite the fact that the award typically recognizes individual players rather than coaches. This shift in focus highlights Mulkey’s significant impact on the development of her players and the program as a whole. The award not only acknowledges the excellence of her players but also serves as a reflection of her ability to cultivate an environment where her players thrive. Under Mulkey’s leadership, LSU’s players have consistently demonstrated exceptional skills, both on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.

The Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Award

Another historic achievement came when Mulkey guided one of her players to win the Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Award. This award, named after Cheryl Miller—another icon of women’s basketball and a Hall of Famer—is given to the top small forward in NCAA Division I women’s basketball. Cheryl Miller’s impact on the game is legendary, as she was known for her scoring ability, her defensive prowess, and her leadership both on and off the court. To win this prestigious award is to be recognized as one of the best players in the nation at one of the most vital positions in the game.

Mulkey’s ability to develop her players to the point where they are not only recognized for their individual accomplishments but also praised for their teamwork and overall contribution to the success of the team speaks to her exceptional coaching ability. By helping one of her players win this award, Mulkey solidified her status as one of the top coaches in the game today. Her player’s achievement also exemplifies Mulkey’s talent in identifying and nurturing potential, helping her athletes reach the pinnacle of their abilities.

Breaking Barriers in Women’s Sports

Kim Mulkey’s achievement is not just significant in terms of basketball; it is a broader reflection of the progress women have made in the world of sports, both as athletes and as leaders. In the past, women’s sports often took a backseat to their male counterparts, and female coaches were relatively few in number, especially in major college programs. However, figures like Mulkey have changed the narrative.

The fact that Mulkey became the first woman to win both the Lisa Leslie Award and the Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Award in the same season underscores the growing recognition of women’s contributions to the game. Her success highlights the importance of women coaches in shaping the future of the sport and breaking barriers for future generations. Mulkey’s achievements show that women, whether as players or coaches, are just as capable of achieving greatness in the world of sports as their male counterparts.

Mulkey’s leadership is also a source of inspiration for young women who dream of playing basketball at the highest levels. The path that Mulkey has taken—starting as a player, transitioning into coaching, and now mentoring the next generation—serves as a roadmap for others who wish to follow in her footsteps. Her ability to succeed at the highest level as both a player and a coach is a message that women can and should be given equal opportunities to excel in the world of sports, regardless of the barriers or challenges they may face.

What This Means for LSU and Women’s College Basketball

For LSU, Mulkey’s historic accomplishments represent the start of a new era of excellence in women’s basketball. Under her leadership, the Tigers have risen to prominence in the NCAA, and her ability to recruit top talent, develop elite players, and create a championship-contending program has transformed LSU into a powerhouse. In just a short period of time, Mulkey has proven her ability to compete with the best, and her influence on the program cannot be overstated.

Additionally, Mulkey’s success reflects the broader growth of women’s college basketball. The game has evolved tremendously over the years, with greater visibility, higher levels of competition, and more opportunities for women to shine. Mulkey’s dual recognition with the Lisa Leslie Award and the Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Award underscores the level of talent, dedication, and hard work that defines the current generation of women’s basketball.

Kim Mulkey’s unprecedented achievement of becoming the first woman ever to win both the Lisa Leslie Award and the Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Award in the same season is not just a personal milestone—it is a milestone for women in sports, a milestone for LSU, and a milestone for women’s basketball as a whole. Through her hard work, dedication, and leadership, Mulkey has proven that the sky is the limit for women in the world of athletics. As she continues to break down barriers and redefine what is possible in women’s sports, Mulkey stands as a powerful role model, showing that with determination and passion, anything is possible.

Her success serves as an inspiration for the next generation of athletes and coaches, demonstrating that the pursuit of excellence knows no gender. With Kim Mulkey at the helm, LSU women’s basketball is poised for continued success, and Mulkey’s place in the annals of history is now firmly secured.